Lionel Messi set to start for Barcelona at Athletic Bilbao

Thigh injury had meant the Argentine striker had only been on the bench in the Copa del Rey clash with Real Madrid

Lionel Messi played only as a substitute for Barcelona in midweek against Real Madrid. AFP

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde will have star striker Lionel Messi back for Barcelona's trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The Argentinian was only fit enough to come off the bench in Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday after suffering a thigh injury.

Valverde is expected to be cautious with Messi, as the Champions League last-16 first leg against Lyon takes place on February 19.

The manager told a press conference on Saturday: "As always, we have to wait to make a decision.

"The other day we did not want to risk him and we are in a similar situation tomorrow.

"He's okay, but if he were at 100 per cent, as he has been at other times, he'd play."

The 31-year-old recently became the first player in LaLiga history to reach 400 goals and would bring a boost to a Barcelona side looking for their eighth league win in a row.

Valverde expects a difficult game on Sunday, adding: "It will be a beautiful game, but visiting San Mames is always complicated, it is one of the most difficult games of the season."

The Barcelona manager returns to face the team he led for six seasons on his 55th birthday and will be looking to improve his record as a visiting coach of one win and four defeats in the League.

Valverde will be without midfielder Arthur who picked up a hamstring injury and is expected to return in a month.

The boss added: "(With Arthur) we've lost a player who gives us a control of the game but you can't avoid injuries over the course of the season."

In place of the injured Arthur, Valverde has placed his faith in Philippe Coutinho, who is set to start.

Ousmane Dembele will start for Barcelona while Samuel Umtiti was not included in the starting line-up.