Lionel Messi is expected to continue his comeback from the bench in Barcelona's Copa del Rey last-16 clash with Getafe in the Spanish capital on Thursday.

The Argentine international missed the latter stages of 2013 with a hamstring injury, but has featured as a substitute in Barcelona's last two matches.

According to AS, boss Gerardo Martino is still not convinced that Messi is ready to start a match and will therefore hand him more second-half minutes in the second leg against Getafe.

Barcelona, who are expected to have Neymar in their starting XI following illness, hold a 4-0 lead from the first leg at the Camp Nou last week.

Written by
Matt Law