Barcelona forward Lionel Messi
will be out of action for at least
15 days after picking up an
ankle injury in the 2-1 win away
to Atletico Madrid.
Coach Pep Guardiola confirmed
directly after the game that the
Argentine had not broken his
ankle in the challenge involving
Tomas Ujfalusi but reports in the
Spanish press have revealed
that hewill miss at least two
weeks of competitive action.
The Blaugrana were ahead when
the Czech defender received a
straight red card - despite
already being booked - for the
lunge on the Argentina
international in the closing
stages.
Messi was stretchered off, visibly
in a considerable amount of pain,
but Guardiola has revealed his
star man did not suffer as bad
an injury as first feared.
"We are very pleased with the
win but sad about the injury to
Leo (Messi)," he told reporters
at a news conference.
"In principle, a fracture is ruled
out which was what was
worrying us. Tomorrow we'll do
some tests and they'll tell us
how he is."
Early indications are that Messi
has suffered strained ligaments
in his right ankle and as a result
may miss the next four games
for Barcelona, returning to
action in early October just in
time for the international break.
Pending confirmation following
Monday's tests in Barcelona, he
is set to miss Primera Liga
fixtures against Sporting Gijon,
Athletic Bilbao and Malaga and a
UEFA Champions League tie away
to Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.
July 26, 2010, 02:22:41 PM