Mauricio Pochettino confirms that Lionel Messi will return for PSG's game vs Reims

Paris Saint-Germain manager, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that star player, Lionel Messi will be in his squad for their upcoming game against Reims in the Ligue 1 on Sunday, 23 January.

Messi has been out of action after contracting COVID-19 during the Christmas break and has not played this year after sitting out in order to recover from the virus. Pochettino for his part confirmed that the record seven-time Ballon d'Or award winner has recovered from the virus and will return back to the pitch on Sunday.

"He trained well during the week with the squad and I'm happy he's back with u. He'll be in the squad tomorrow," the Argentinian said in a press conference.

Pochettino also 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 French giants can afford to rest both Messi and Mbappe in case of any emergencies considering that they hold a 10-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table as they have 50 points from 21 games - 10 ahead of second placed, Marseille.

The 34-year-old who moved to the French capital from Barcelona in the summer has not enjoyed the best of starts to life in the league, managing just one goal from 11 appearances, though he has been his usual brilliant self in Europe, netting five goals in the Champions League.