Lionel Messi returned to light training on Thursday and Barcelona hope he will join in a full session on Friday ahead of their trip to Celta Vigo.
The 27-year-old was forced to sit out Argentina's international friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador in the United States due to a foot injury and there were doubts as to whether he would be fit for Sunday's encounter at Balaidos.
But he made an encouraging step on Thursday morning by doing some light running and stretching on a scheduled day off with fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano.
A Barca statement read: “The two Argentines completed continuous running and stretching on their own. The inflammation of Messi's foot has improved and the player will try to come together with the rest of the international players on Friday."
Messi has been in sublime form for Barcelona so far in 2014-15, netting 32 goals in 28 Primera Division appearances.
The Argentine leads the race for the European Golden Shoe, holding a one-goal advantage over Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
