Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is progressing well from his hamstring injury.

The 26-year-old Argentina international has been on the sidelines since November 10, when he picked up the problem during his side's 4-1 away victory over Real Betis in La Liga.

"The physical examination and echography performed on Wednesday morning by doctor Ricard Pruna at the AFA facility in Buenos Aires have shown that Leo Messi is making good progress with his recovery from injury," read a statement on the club's official website.

"On Friday further tests will be performed to establish when he can begin the third phase of his recovery programme. Pruna, along with director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta, travelled to Argentina on Tuesday to get a first-hand look at the progress being made by Leo Messi.

"The striker injured his hamstring on November 10 in Seville and since November 29 has been working on the second phase of his recovery programme in his home country. "

Barcelona are currently level on 43 points with Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.