Lionel Messi is reportedly expected to be fit for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League clash with Manchester City on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was hauled off against Lyon earlier this month after suffering a bruised knee and has since missed victories over Metz and Montpellier HSC in domestic action.
There were fears that Messi could have been sidelined for a number of weeks with the issue, but PSG could supposedly be handed a major fitness boost with the attacker ahead of the visit of City.
Speaking to the press, manager Mauricio Pochettino was optimistic about Messi's chances of being available, saying: "He started running again. We hope that the evolution will be as we hope.
"Is there any chance of seeing him play against Manchester City? Yes, we hope. We have to be careful, we'll see how it evolves in the coming days."
Les Parisiens will be without the suspended Angel Di Maria against Pep Guardiola's men, though, while Marco Verratti and Sergio Ramos are both battling injuries.
Ben Knapton
