Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will play in the Clasico against Real Madrid on Saturday if he is even "minimally fit," former Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes.
Messi, 28, injured his knee back in September, but speculation that the Argentina captain will make his return to play at the Bernabeu this weekend has increased since the club announced earlier this week that he is back in full training.
"[Messi's fitness] is a crown secret, but in truth I have no [inside] information," Laporta told AS. "Messi is a winner, he loves this type of match because they are the best show in the world. The entire world will be watching and we are hopeful that he can play. If he is fit, for the most minimally fit that he is, he will play."
With Barcelona unbeaten in their last seven matches -- winning six of them -- Laporta believes that Luis Enrique's side are travelling to the Spanish capital in top form.
"Barca are coming into this game in the best shape and our forwards are in a state of grace. And if Leo comes back on top of that then we're looking good," Laporta said. "I think Barca will win. We have the best team. We have always played well in the Bernabeu, I have some great memories. It will be a great match and we will win."
Laporta, who said last month that the club may be forced to sell Neymar, added on Thursday that he thinks the Brazil forward will stay on.
"I don't think Neymar will go. He likes being at Barca and playing with Leo," he said. "It is very difficult for a player to want to leave Barca because they are playing with the best player of all time and they are enjoying it.
"There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room and you can see it. If things are going well for your team and in your city, why would you change? In addition, I think he is happy because we are playing very well and we will only keep getting better to reach our peak."
Asked if Neymar is at the level of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, Laporta said: "Yes, of course. Neymar is very good and he will only get better.
"Neymar is in the group that is chasing [behind Messi and Ronaldo]. Leo is the best, he is at another level, he makes the difference and then you have the group of those chasing him, in which Neymar is included."
Laporta said he didn't think the flying of Catalan flags would be a problem in Madrid.
"I don't think they [Madrid] will do it [remove the esteladas] because it is a spirit that we have in Catalonia. But the subject does not concern me because I have left politics. But surely Madrid will respect us."