Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona squad, Dembele dropped

Lionel Messi is in line to make his return from a broken arm on Sunday against Real Betis after being named in Ernesto Valverde’ s squad , Goal reports .

Also , Ousmane Dembele will not be involved in the match after the Frenchman reportedly missed training without permission on Thursday.

Messi endured an awkward fall when colliding with Sevilla’ s Franco Vazquez in the 4- 2 win on October 20 and fractured his arm in the process , ruling him out for three weeks .

He was provisionally named in the travelling squad for Tuesday’ s 1-1 draw at Inter in the Champions League, but having not been given the all -clear from medical staff, Barca opted to not include him in the final matchday selection .

However, Barca announced on Saturday he is back in contention to face Betis at Camp Nou , while Samuel Umtiti – who has not featured since the 2- 1 defeat at Leganes on September 26 – is also in the squad after recovering from his knee injury . Philippe Coutinho is out for a few weeks with a muscle injury .

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga, having won seven , drawn three and lost just one of their opening 11 games .