Rakitic recovers from calf injury, returns to starting lineup for El Clasico

Lionel Messi may only be on the bench, but Barcelona does have one of its most influential players back in the starting lineup for Saturday's clash against bitter rival Real Madrid.

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who had been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in a Champions League victory over BATE Borisov on Nov. 4, was named to the team that will take the pitch from the opening whistle by manager Luis Enrique.

In returning, the Croatian will take his customary place alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta in Barcelona's first-choice midfield.