MADRID: World Player of the Year Lionel Messi (pictured) has been ruled out for up to three weeks by a thigh injury he suffered in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday.
The Argentine had put the Catalans in front with a sublime left-footed strike from 20 yards, but had to be replaced soon after and will now definitely miss Barca’s Champions League trip to Celtic in midweek as well as Saturday’s game against Valladolid.
“The tests carried out this morning have confirmed a small muscle injury in his right thigh,” said a statement on the club’s website.
“The approximated time out is two to three weeks, and therefore he will miss the meetings this week against Celtic and Valladolid.”
Following next weekend’s match there is a two-week break due to international commitments and Messi is expected to be fit against Osasuna. AFP
