Barcelona has confirmed that skipper of the side Lionel Messi has picked up an injury to his left adductor. The 32-year-old Argentine superstar dealt Los Blaugrana a massive injury scare after limping off half-way into Wednesday's La Liga clash with Villarreal.
With the scoreline locked at 2-1 Messi - who made his first league appearance of the season following a pre-season injury - was replaced by fellow injury returnee Ousmane Dembele. Very little action ensued after the striker's ejection and his manager Ernesto Valverde subsequently downplayed the severity of the problem by stating that his side did not want to risk the player.
Upon further assessment, Barcelona revealed on Wednesday that Messi has an issue with his left adductor but failed to indicate his expected return date. The club's statement read:
"First team player Leo Messi has elongated his left adductor. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability. The Argentine superstar, who won FIFA's 'The Best' award on Monday, played the first 45 minutes of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Villarreal, his first start after a preseason injury.
"Despite only playing the first half, Messi was superb, assisting Antoine Griezmann on Barça's first goal, which Messi chalked up with a corner kick."
Reports from Spain have suggested that the Argentine talisman could be rested for Barcelona's trip to Getafe on Saturday. However, he could most likely be involved when the Catalans take on Inter Milan in the Champions League before they receive Sevilla to the Camp Nou in La Liga.
