Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has hinted that Lionel Messi will return to the starting lineup for tomorrow's Copa del Rey clash at Getafe.

The Argentine, who has spent time on the sidelines with hamstring problems, came off the bench to score twice in the first leg at Camp Nou last week.

Martino then decided not to risk him in Saturday's crucial La Liga encounter with Atletico Madrid, which ended goalless.

However, the 26-year-old attacker now appears ready for first-team action after stepping up his training.

"We have obviously talked it over and I have asked him how he feels," Martino told reporters. "The situation is now different from last week as he has had a serious of solid training sessions.

"He is looking strong in training and now he has more possibilities to start because he has more possibilities to be able to finish the match.

"It would not be wise to put Messi or any other player at risk and we don't think there is a risk. We are trying to create the situation so that when he starts that he is in top condition. This is a good opportunity but we will decide if it is right for him to start."

Barcelona lead 4-0 after the first leg.