Lionel Messi is expected to be back on action from a hamstring injury in Barcelona's Capa del Rey clash against Getafe on Wednesday.

The Argentine striker has been included in coach Gerardo Martino's 18-man squad for the game.

The four-time World Player of the Year hasn't played since tearing his hamstring in Barca's 4-1 win over Real Betis on Nov. 10.

Messi returned to Barcelona last week from his native country and begin training with his teammates once more and Martino admitted it had been difficult to leave him out of Saturday's 4-0 win over Elche.

"I have spoken with him and he is in the squad," Martino told a press conference on Tuesday.

"We are happy for him and I am especially happy to have all the players available.

"There was a lot of pressure for him to play against Elche, that would have been the normal thing to do. However, the difference now is that he has had more training sessions with the team."

Martino's side will travel to face Atletico Madrid for top place of La Liga on Saturday as both sides are locked on 49 points after 18 games.