Messi misses training again with thigh injury

BARCELONA, June 5 (Reuters) - Barcelona captain Lionel Messi sat out Friday's training session as he has a small thigh strain, the Spanish champions said.

Barca returned to full training on Monday for the first time in three months ahead of the Spanish season re-starting on June 11 after being halted since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Messi took part in the first two training sessions of the week but was absent from Wednesday's session, while the team enjoyed a day off on Thursday.

The Catalans said Messi was expected to return to training in the next few days, meaning he should be available when Barca resume their bid to defend the title away to Real Mallorca on June 13.

"The Barca captain has a small strain in his right thigh muscle," the club said in a statement.

"This Friday he did specific work to avoid any risks because our first La Liga match is eight days away. He is expected to return to working with the group in the next few days."

Barca, who are targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, lead Real Madrid by two points with 11 matches remaining.

Messi is the leading scoring in La Liga with 19 goals. (Reporting by Richard Martin Editing by Toby Davis)