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Lion in wait

Lionel Messi set to be ‘100 per cent’ for Barcelona’s clash with Man City in Champions League

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner was expected to miss reunion with Pep Guardiola, but will be back for weekend La Liga game

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MANCHESTER CITY’S trip to the Nou Camp just got a little more daunting with the reports in Catalonia suggesting Lionel Messi is preparing to return 100 per cent fit.

Barcelona have been without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the past three games following a groin injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

 Lionel Messi is set to be '100 per cent' for Manchester City's trip to Nou Camp
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Lionel Messi is set to be '100 per cent' for Manchester City's trip to Nou CampCredit: Reuters
 Lionel Messi has not played since injuring his groin in draw with Atletico
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Lionel Messi has not played since injuring his groin in draw with AtleticoCredit: Getty Images

He was expect to miss the visit of former boss Pep Guardiola in the Champions League on October 19 — but claim he will play some part of Saturday’s clash with Deportivo in order to improve match fitness for the City game.

In Messi’s absence Barca won two and lost one of their three matches.

But, given City’s impressive form, they’ll be looking for their talisman to produce.

The Argentinian superstar has scored twice in four previous meetings against the Citizens — and delivered a masterclass at the Etihad in 2015.

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 Lionel Messi scores against Manchester City during Barcelona's home win in 2014
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Lionel Messi scores against Manchester City during Barcelona's home win in 2014
 Lionel Messi famously scores past Manuel Neuer as Barcelona hammer Bayern
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Lionel Messi famously scores past Manuel Neuer as Barcelona hammer BayernCredit: Demotix Images
 Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi together at Barcelona back in 2009
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Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi together at Barcelona back in 2009

While, he also blew his former boss away in their previous encounter.

Messi scored two — one a fantastic solo goal — as Barcelona beat Guardiola’s Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Nou Camp two seasons ago.

City were eliminated by the Catalan giants in back-to-back seasons in 2014 and 2015.

But, they finally look like contenders after a fantastic start to the campaign.

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