Messi Returns to Training with Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Lionel Messi has returned from Argentina and resumed training with his Barcelona teammates while he waits for team doctors to clear him to play.

Messi tore his left hamstring Nov. 10 and had been in his home country recovering since Nov. 29.

Barcelona also says goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been given the go-ahead by doctors to return.

Valdes looks set to start for Barcelona in Sunday's home match against Elche in the Spanish league. It will be his first game in six weeks since injuring a muscle in his right leg while playing for Spain in an exhibition game at South Africa.

Barcelona's only two losses this season have come without Messi and Valdes.

Barcelona leads the Spanish league along with Atletico Madrid.