Barcelona, Oct 14: FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique confirmed on Friday that Argentine football star Lionel Messi is ready to play in the La Liga match against Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday.

Messi was on the sidelines for the last three weeks after being down with a thigh injury. [La Liga schedule of game week 8]

In a press conference on the eve of the game against Deportivo, Enrique talked about the situation of Messi and Frenchman Samuel Umtiti. "They've trained well with the squad and we'll see tomorrow what we do with them. In principle, they're both available," he said.

The coach did not reveal much on the possible call of Aleix Vidal in the absence of Sergi Roberto, after Vidal was sidelined in the last six games for technical decision, reports Efe.

Enrique may have another option to fill the void left by Sergi Roberto by Barcelona B player Nili Perdomo, who has participated in the last training with the first team.

IANS