The 26-year-old suffered the injury in the 4-1 Liga victory over Real Betis on Nov. 10 and returned to his native Argentina for treatment.

However, Barcelona announced on Thursday that not only is Messi back in Catalunya, the forward is also back in action.

"Leo Messi landed in Barcelona this afternoon and went directly to the Ciutat Esportiva to meet up with his teammates and get fitted for new boots ahead of the team’s training session," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Messi, who has yet to be declared match fit, took part in the team’s second training session of the day."

Barcelona, which tops La Liga on goal difference over Atletico Madrid, resumes its bid for a second successive Spanish title when it faces Elche at Camp Nou on Sunday.


JONES MULLS EXIT FROM SCHALKE


Jermaine Jones is set to miss Schalke's training camp in Qatar as he considers a move away from the Veltins-Arena.

The United States international has been a regular starter for Schalke this season but has attracted criticism for his attitude in some fixtures. The 32-year-old appears to have decided his future lies elsewhere, with S04 releasing a statement to explain his omission from the club's roster in Qatar.

"The midfielder, who is under contract at Schalke 04 until the summer of 2014, has asked sporting director Horst Heldt to allow him a change for the second half of the season," it read. "To consider other options the 32-year-old will not travel to Qatar."

Jones is poised to play in his first World Cup this summer after establishing himself as a fixture alongside Michael Bradley in the U.S. midfield during qualifying. Should Jones make a move to MLS, D.C. United would have the first crack at securing his services, though the player would be exempt from the allocation order if he signs a designated player contract.


CARDIFF CITY TABS SOLSKJAER 


Cardiff City has confirmed the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the club's new manager.

Solskjaer takes over at the Welsh club from Malky Mackay, who was sacked by controversial owner Vincent Tan last month following weeks of speculation.

David Kerslake has taken charge of Cardiff's two Premier League games since Mackay's dismissal, guiding the team to a 2-2 draw with Sunderland and a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

However, former Manchester United striker Solskjaer will now take the reins for Cardiff's FA Cup tie at Newcastle United on Saturday.

"It's a fantastic challenge for me," Solskjaer told the club's official website. "Cardiff are ready to take the next step up, I hope I can help them.

"I've always dreamed of being a manager in the Premier League and I'm delighted to get the opportunity."


BLATTER: TAKE DIVERS OFF PITCH


FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants to clamp down on play-acting in football by introducing an unofficial sin-bin for players who feign injury.

In his column for FIFA Weekly entitled "Stop the amateur dramatics," the head of world football's governing body said he finds it "deeply irritating" when "the (supposedly) half-dead player comes back to life as soon as they have left the pitch."

Blatter urged referees to make these players wait on the touchline so their absence has an effect on their team.

"In practical terms this amounts to a time penalty — and it could cause play-actors to rethink," he wrote.

Blatter didn't specify the length of time these "stricken" players should be held up on the sideline.

Blatter said diving and feigning injury "has become a normal and accepted part of football nowadays."

"Cutting out this kind of cheating is a matter of respect towards opponents and fans," Blatter added, "and ultimately one of self-respect as a professional and role model."

There have been 13 yellow cards for diving in the English Premier League so far this season.

FIFA Weekly will be published on Friday.

Contributors: Goal.com, The Associated Press

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