Cesc Fabregas expects Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi to come back 'like a bull' when he makes his return to action later this month.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
Messi has been out of action for over six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in Barca's 4-1 win over Real Betis on November 10 and has missed eight matches in all competitions during that time.
The Catalan club, though, revealed earlier this week the Argentina international had returned to full training and are hopeful he can make his return in their home clash with Elche on Sunday.
Fabregas expects the four-time Ballon d'Or winner to hit the ground running and believes the break would have done the Argentine the world of good.
"He definitely needed to rest physically because he had already suffered this (injury) and there was no other option than to stop playing," Fabregas told Spanish publication Marca.
"He had four or five injuries in a row in a muscle that he uses a lot in accelerating from a standstill, which is what sets him apart.
"He had to stop no matter what and he'll be like a bull when he is back."
Off-season signing Neymar has harboured much of the goalscoring load in Messi's absence and Fabregas believes the highly-rated Brazilian has made an excellent start to life at the Nou Camp.
"Scoring is all about streaks," the former Arsenal man continued.
"Right now the goals are going in for Neymar and that will give him a bit more confidence, stability and composure in the penalty area.
"As time passes his importance to the team will increase. He is 21 and he will develop from game to game.
"The confidence will make him a better player."