Lionel Messi returns to Paris Saint-Germain training ahead of Auxerre clash

The Argentina international was absent from last weekend's win over Lorient due to an inflamed Achilles tendon, with Hugo Ekitike starting in his place.

Christophe Galtier's men scraped a 2-1 win without Messi in the ranks, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has now been pictured with the ball at his feet in training.

As a result, Messi is expected to be involved in Sunday's game at the Parc des Princes in a major boost to Argentina before they take on Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C of the World Cup.

Messi has shone with 12 goals and 14 assists in 18 matches for the French champions so far this term, and Galtier affirmed at his pre-game press conference that no World Cup representative approached him with a request to be rested this weekend.

PSG also welcomed Presnel Kimpembe back from his own Achilles problem this week, but Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz - who has not made Luis Enrique's squad - is still absent with a hamstring injury.

Galtier's side sit five points clear of Lens at the top of the Ligue 1 table and will be out to make it seven wins on the bounce in all competitions against AJA this weekend.