Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain wants Lionel Messi to be fit for Barcelona this weekend. Real go to the Nou Camp top of the table and Higuain would prefer Barca with Messi playing. The Argentine missed last night's victory over Inter Milan due to injury.

Higuain said: "The clásicos are nice when the best are on the pitch. It would be nice if Messi makes it.

"The important thing for us is beyond Messi, we go full of enthusiasm to the Nou Camp. Getting a victory there would make a major blow on the table, we'd go four points ahead of them."

Asked if Cristiano Ronaldo's return threatens his own place, Higuain added: "On the contrary.

"The great players always make teams better. I am a striker and it will be up to the coach to decide if I play."