The star winger has been sidelined since the Champions League encounter with Celtic at the Nou Camp six weeks ago when he suffered a slight thigh muscle tear, but returns to the squad having taken part in full training this week.

Barcelona have sorely missed the 20-year-old's creative spark in recent weeks and now look unlikely to topple Real Madrid from the Primera Liga summit after failing to capitalise on several slip-ups from the leaders.

Any joy from Messi's return is tempered, however, by the probable absence of several other key players.

Andres Iniesta has a slipped meniscus in his left knee, Xavi and Rafael Marquez have bruised feet, Gianluca Zambrotta sustained a knock to his calf on Wednesday and Thierry Henry has a bruised Achilles.

The former Arsenal striker is not only bothered by injury this week, as he also expressed his discontent at having to play out of position since his move to the Catalan club.

The 30-year-old is concerned that continuously playing on the wing will have a detrimental effect on his role for France at the European Championships in the summer.

"This could be a problem, I have to be honest," he said.

"Against Spain in Malaga in February, I lost all my bearings in the middle. I was lost in all the calls, all the runs.

"And in front of goal, I no longer position myself in the same way, I no longer have the same reflexes. So that can create a problem.

"I hope that between the end of the season with Barcelona and the start of the Euros, I have the chance to play back in the middle during France's preparation games and that I can again make my mark in this position."

Barca will be in buoyant mood after securing a place in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday with a 1-0 win, 2-1 on aggregate, over Schalke.

Bojan Krkic set up Yaya Toure for the only goal of the game but was then substituted 20 minutes from time - a decision which was jeered and booed by the Nou Camp crowd.

Coach Frank Rijkaard defended the change, saying: "He (Bojan) played a great game. I am very happy for him that he has the support and empathy of the public. I make my changes as I see fit.

"I want to do the best by him and I am happy that he is with us. However, I do feel somewhat sad (about the jeers)."

Third-placed Barca go into the game seven points behind Real Madrid, behind Villarreal on head to head record only, having won three of their last five league games.

In contrast, Recre are just one place above the relegation zone but earned three vital points last weekend against Osasuna. That was their second win in four and hauled them out of the drop zone, and coach Manolo Zambrano believes it would be a "giant step" if his side were to take points off Barca.

"We have to win three or four matches," said Zambrano. "It means beating Barcelona, Levante, Valladolid etcetera, etcetera. What we have to do is pick up lots of points, and the sooner the better.

"They are three points that the fans think are already lost, but we can still win them because we have to play the 90 minutes, and then we will see who are the stronger team and who will win them."

Recre central defender Quique Alvarez is a doubt after pulling out of training with a knee problem this week.