BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona says Lionel Messis recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing positively. Bene Benwikere Black Jersey . Messi will travel to his native Argentina on Friday to begin the second phase of his recovery process, under the supervision of the Spanish champions medical staff. Barcelona says Messis recovery "has been positive, as the latest medical scans have revealed." Messi was initially ruled out for six to eight weeks after hurting his left hamstring during a Spanish league game at Real Betis on Nov. 10. It was the Argentina internationals third injury of the season. Tre Boston Womens Jersey . Washington obtained right-hander Doug Fister from Detroit for infielder Steve Lombardozzi and left-handers Robbie Ray and Ian Krol on Monday. Kony Ealy Panthers Jersey . Andreas Athanasiou and Jared Knight had two goals each as the London Knights defeated the visiting Plymouth Whalers 8-6 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action.Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler was doing damage control after practice on Thursday, refuting a report that hes asked for a trade. "I never commented to anyone that I wanted out," he explained. "My heart is with this group and making the playoffs." Kesler added that the rumours are "completely false" that he asked to be traded - recently or ever. "I dont want to talk about this," he continued. "I dont want this to be a distraction...Im happy to be here." While theres lots of speculation that the Canucks could be looking to move the 29-year-old centre, TVA Sports reported on Wednesday night that Kesler approached the team requesting to be deaalt. Bene Benwikere Kids Jersey. Speaking to Adrian Dater of The Denver Post on Wednesday night, Keslers agent Kurt Overhardt also denied the story, calling it "a bunch of B.S." Kesler, 29, is recovering from a hand injury and did not dress on Wednesday night for Vancouvers post-Olympic opener against the St. Louis Blues. He hopes to play Friday night when the Canucks host the Minnesota Wild. He has two more years remaining on a six-year, $30 million contract, which pays him $5 million in each of the next two seasons. "Whether he wants to go or stay, hes not going anywhere," Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo told reporters. "We all know how this script ends." ' ' '
