Barcelona have become stronger without star forward Lionel Messi, according to manager Luis Enrique.

Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi is currently recovering from a knee injury and has not played since late September, but Enrique insists that his team have improved without the Argentina international.

"Without Messi we're much stronger, no doubt about it, but we have a great team and lots of resources, we've taken a step forward," the former Barca and Real Madrid player told reporters. "Behind it all is some serious hard work."

Asked if Messi would be fit to play El Clasico rivals Real on November 21, Enrique replied: "There's nothing worse for a player than relapse. We want him to recover properly."

Messi, 28, has scored 418 goals in 492 appearances for Barcelona.