Barcelona vs Malaga - Enrique expects Messi to remain at Barca for 'many years'

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique expects Lionel Messi to be at the club for "many years" amid speculation over his future.

Messi, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City to join his former boss Pep Guardiola, is out of contract in 2018.

The Argentina forward only returned to his club on Thursday following international duty, but was back in training on Friday and should start for Enrique's side as they bid for their fifth successive LaLiga win when they host Malaga on Saturday.

"I imagine Lionel Messi will be at Barcelona for many years," Enrique told the club's website.

"It would be nice that a player who leaves his country to come to Barcelona and to be number one in history ends up finishing his career here. I would like that, but it's up to him."

The Catalans, who are two points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, have beaten Deportivo, Valencia, Granada and Sevilla in their last four outings to keep the pressure on their rivals at the summit of the table.

But while Enrique will welcome defender Gerard Pique back from injury for Saturday's encounter at the Nou Camp, the Spaniard will be without two other top names.

Andres Iniesta remains sidelined with a knee injury, but could return for El Clasico on December 3, while Luis Suarez, who has scored eight times in LaLiga this season, is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against Sevilla.

A victory for Barcelona will take them above Real, who travel to neighbours Atletico in an all-Madrid derby on Saturday night.

Malaga have won four of their last seven matches to climb into the top half of the table, and Juande Ramos' side will be hoping to spring a surprise victory against a team they traditionally fare well against.

Malaga won 1-0 at the Nou Camp two seasons ago before following that up with a goalless draw at home. Barcelona only beat them by a single strike in their two matches last term.

Midfielder Ignacio Camacho will be suspended for the trip to Barcelona, and striker Charles will be sidelined through injury.

But Sandro Ramirez, who has scored four goals from his last five matches, will hope to continue his fine form on his return to the Nou Camp after he left the club on a free transfer last summer.