Apparently, Lionel Messi is set to miss Barcelona crucial away tie against a very strong Villareal team after the Argentinean FA confirmed that he is suffering from 'muscular overload'.
The El Classico is officially two weeks away from now as the Spanish giants get set for an intense final period of the season. As for this weekend, Real Madrid will host Sporting Gijon while Barcelona face a tricky tie away from home to Villareal.
However, reports have suggested that the Catalans might have been dealt with a massive blow ahead of the battle against the Yellow Submarines. Lionel Messi is apparently suffering from a muscle overload and as a result, the Ballon d'Or winner could miss the clash at the El Madrigal
Messi was called up by the Argentinean FA for the friendly match against Costa Rica- although he did not feature in it after suspicions over a leg injury. Fair enough, the Argentinean FA later released a statement, confirming Messi's minor injury that has now placed doubts upon his involvement this Saturday.
The statement from president Julio Grondona reads: "After speaking with the medic, Messi has a muscular overload to his leg and it is not known as to whether he will be able to play on Saturday."
Barcelona confirmed that the injury is not a serious one although a decision on his participation against Villareal would only be made after a test is conducted.
"Pain in the adductor of the right leg prevented Messi from participating in the friendly match between Argentina and Costa Rica," Barca stated on their website.
"The injury does not appear to be serious, but we must wait for test to be conducted in Barcelona to determine the definitive diagnosis."
This news comes as a shocker for Barcelona fans worldwide as they prepare for a very crucial match against Villareal. The Yellow Submarines are a very formidable side at home considering that they have only lost once at the El Madrigal this season.
While the Blaugranas are realistically not a "Messi-ah One Man Team", his importance is undeniable- having already notched 27 goals in the La Liga. Barcelona will be expected to secure possession of the ball, but Messi's absence could be the perfect chance for Juan Carlos Garrido's men to frustrate the reigning Spanish champions.
Nobody can deny that Villareal have the abilities to cause a major upset with Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi providing the fire power for the Yellow Submarines. Both strikers have already scored 26 goals between them this season while statistics also show that Villareal have scored an average of 1.93 goals in all their matches at home this season.
That piece of information justifies the fact that Guardiola's men can absolutely expect a determined showcase of football from the El Submarino Amarillo
Real Madrid take on Sporting Gijon this weekend, a match that many see as an easy one for Mourinho and co. A defeat to Barcelona and a win for Real Madrid this weekend would close the gap between those two to only two points with the El Classico looming ahead.
Therefore, any slip ups from the Catalans this Saturday could be detrimental to their title hopes with the Los Blancos hot on their heels.
However, reports have suggested that the Catalans might have been dealt with a massive blow ahead of the battle against the Yellow Submarines. Lionel Messi is apparently suffering from a muscle overload and as a result, the Ballon d'Or winner could miss the clash at the El Madrigal
Messi was called up by the Argentinean FA for the friendly match against Costa Rica- although he did not feature in it after suspicions over a leg injury. Fair enough, the Argentinean FA later released a statement, confirming Messi's minor injury that has now placed doubts upon his involvement this Saturday.
The statement from president Julio Grondona reads: "After speaking with the medic, Messi has a muscular overload to his leg and it is not known as to whether he will be able to play on Saturday."
Barcelona confirmed that the injury is not a serious one although a decision on his participation against Villareal would only be made after a test is conducted.
"Pain in the adductor of the right leg prevented Messi from participating in the friendly match between Argentina and Costa Rica," Barca stated on their website.
"The injury does not appear to be serious, but we must wait for test to be conducted in Barcelona to determine the definitive diagnosis."
This news comes as a shocker for Barcelona fans worldwide as they prepare for a very crucial match against Villareal. The Yellow Submarines are a very formidable side at home considering that they have only lost once at the El Madrigal this season.
While the Blaugranas are realistically not a "Messi-ah One Man Team", his importance is undeniable- having already notched 27 goals in the La Liga. Barcelona will be expected to secure possession of the ball, but Messi's absence could be the perfect chance for Juan Carlos Garrido's men to frustrate the reigning Spanish champions.
Nobody can deny that Villareal have the abilities to cause a major upset with Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi providing the fire power for the Yellow Submarines. Both strikers have already scored 26 goals between them this season while statistics also show that Villareal have scored an average of 1.93 goals in all their matches at home this season.
That piece of information justifies the fact that Guardiola's men can absolutely expect a determined showcase of football from the El Submarino Amarillo
Real Madrid take on Sporting Gijon this weekend, a match that many see as an easy one for Mourinho and co. A defeat to Barcelona and a win for Real Madrid this weekend would close the gap between those two to only two points with the El Classico looming ahead.
Therefore, any slip ups from the Catalans this Saturday could be detrimental to their title hopes with the Los Blancos hot on their heels.
