Messi back in PSG squad, Mbappe fit for Reims game

Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi (L) is congratulated by Kylian Mbappe (R) after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League first round day 6 Group A football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Club Brugge, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on 7 December 2021.
File photo

Lionel Messi will make his comeback for Paris St Germain against Stade de Reims on Sunday after fully recovering from Covid-19, coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday.

The Argentine forward has not played this year after getting infected during the European winter break.

"He trained well during the week with the squad and I'm happy he's back with us," Pochettino told a news conference.

"He'll be in the squad tomorrow."

Pochettino added that French forward Kylian Mbappe would also be included in the squad after nursing a groin injury.

"I'm happy with the way it went. We'll see if he can start or not," the Argentine said.

PSG lead the Ligue 1 standings with 50 points from 21 games, 11 head of second-placed Nice.