Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is refusing to put a date on Lionel Messi's return.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has been absent since he picked up an injury in Barca's 4-1 win against Real Betis on November 10.

It was initially thought that Messi would be out for four to six weeks, but the coach has said that they will not be rushing the star back to fitness.

"We hope that he will be ready at the start of January, but the closer we get to the date we will see if he needs more time," Martino told reporters.

"We cannot guarantee when he will be ready; what interests us more is that he has completely recovered.

"He is working as planned, completing the different stages of his recovery."

Barca are currently top of La Liga.