Updated

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi returned to the training pitch on Thursday ahead of the Catalans' Champions League semifinal clash with German champions Bayern Munich.

The Argentine has been struggling with a right thigh injury, which limited his appearance in the second-leg of Barcelona's quarterfinal win over Paris Saint- Germain to a second-half cameo.

Messi also missed his club's 3-0 win over Real Zaragoza in La Liga play over the weekend, but now appears ready to go for first leg of the matchup against Bayern at the Allianz Arena.

"The big news about Thursday's training was Leo Messi," Barcelona said in a statement on its official website. "The Argentine suffered a thigh injury during the 2-2 first leg at the Parc des Princes, but has returned to training."

The La Liga leaders got even more good news on Thursday as utility player Sergio Busquets, who also missed the Zaragoza clash with a groin problem, was back on the practice field.

Both players are likely to be rested or used sparingly in Barcelona's La Liga match with Levante on Saturday.