Barcelona fans were praying that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi would recover in time for El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, on November 21.
The 28-year-old talisman forward fell to knee injury in September’s Liga BBVA clash with Las Palmas. The club were handed a big sigh of relief shortly after the knock, however, with reports claiming that the four-time Ballon d’Or winner would be back in 7 weeks, in time for their Santiago Bernabeu trip.
However, Spanish news outlet Sport now reveal that Leo will in fact miss El Clasico, as sufficient strength is yet to return to his knee, with the four-time Ballon d’Or winner yet to start running again.
“Unfortunately, things have slowed up and the player still doesn’t have sufficient strength in his knee to begin running continuously. That’s to say, he doesn’t have enough time to be back in shape for the Madrid match,” wrote Sport.
Messi has suffered a set-back and will not be ready in time to play El Clásico. [Sport]
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) November 2, 2015
This revelation, if true, will come as a huge blow to the Catalan giants. The Albiceleste is the most integral figure in the Blaugrana squad, and his absence has sorely been felt.
On Messi and el Clásico. Despite some reports, nothing has been decided. He will only play if 100%, which he hopes to be by then...
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 2, 2015
Luis Enrique’s crew have played seven games since Messi’s injury, and although they have picked up 18 points from a possible 18, one fixture being a 0-0 Copa del Rey affair, they’ve struggled on several occasions.
The fixture’s all-time record goal scorer and assist provider, Messi’s absence will severely decrease Barcelona’s side of securing an away win.
Messi is the highest scorer in El Clasico history, with 21 goals vs Real Madrid
Luckily for them, however, they’ve still got Neymar and Luis Suarez, who together have amassed 14 goals since La Pulga’s injury.
