Luis Suarez: Lionel Messi looks 'sharp' ahead of El Clasico

Luis Suarez has been impressed with Lionel Messi's fitness since his return to training Monday, but still believes his Barcelona colleague is in doubt for Saturday's showdown with Real Madrid.

The diminutive Argentine has been battling an ankle injury since September, but hopes he can make his return for El Clasico.

"Whether he plays or not is down to the coach, the medics, and how he feels but he has been looking sharp in training," the Uruguayan said. "However, it is the type of injury where there are risks for the future

"Messi is a player that makes a difference in all games and in Clasicos he has always made a big impact but we will have to see if he is ready,"

In Messi's absence, each of Barca's last 16 league goals have come from either Suarez or Neymar, and despite the Catalan club's three-point lead at La Liga's summit, the 28-year-old's return would provide a huge boost.

"Leo is above any other player due to what he has achieved and what he is still doing," Suarez said. "Ney is amazing, behind Messi and could easily be the second best in the world. At the moment he is playing incredibly and it is great to see."

Barcelona is enjoying a run of seven consecutive wins, but Suarez has warned against complacency ahead of the tie.

"You never know what can happen in these types of games and when you start as favourite it can often go wrong," Suarez said. "We will have to be fully concentrated. Just because Madrid lost their last game is not so important as they have great players."