Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is available for selection for the weekend’s game with Atletico Madrid after the birth of his second son Mateo on Friday night.
Messi missed Barcelona‘s training session as he was given permission to attend the birth but will be in the squad to face Atletico on Saturday.
The Argentina international already has one son with girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo, Thiago, who was born in 2012.
Coach Luis Enrique told a news conference: “He [Messi] is available to play. He is on the list. The club gave him permission not to train today for personal reasons.”
Barca centre-back Gerard Pique, though, will not be available to face Atletico due to his suspension.
Saturday’s game will see the last two Primera Division champions square off at the Vicente Calderon stadium.
Both sides have enjoyed perfect starts to the campaign.
“I expect a complicated game and to play at the Vicente Calderon stadium against a team that aspired to win the league title is always difficult,” Luis Enrique added. “Atletico have reinforced themselves well and have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.
“It’s no wonder they won the league two years ago. They have a great coach and it’s always a big motivation for us to play against them.
“Last season the games very tight and we expect the same tomorrow. We are two winning sides. [Atletico Madrid coach Diego] Simeone has proved that he is a coach that wins titles and so have I.”
Barcelona confirmed their 18 man squad for the game against Atletico is: Ter Stegen, Masip, Rakitic, Sergio, Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Rafinha, Mascherano, Bartra, Munir, Jordi Alba, Sandro, Sergi Roberto, Adriano, Vermaelen, Mathieu.