Barcelona unconcerned by Messi injury

Barcelona are unconcerned by Lionel Messi’s latest fitness issues, but could decide to rest the Argentine for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Celta Vigo as they do not want to take any risks.

Messi was forced to sit out Argentina’s international friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador due to an ankle injury, leading to concerns over the prolific attacker’s physical condition ahead of the business end of the season.

However, Barcelona see no reason for concern as they were already aware of Messi’s minor injury ahead of his trip with the national team.

The 27-year-old picked up the knock in his side’s Champions League win over Manchester City at Camp Nou last month, but was nonetheless given the green light to play in the Clasico win over Real Madrid.

The bruise slightly worsened due to his participation in the match against Madrid, prompting Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to rest him for both international friendlies, much to the satisfaction of Barcelona.

The Catalans were happy for Messi to stay with the national team for the duration of their trip as they were sent the results of the investigation he underwent in a clinic in Washington, too.

Messi completed a light training session on Thursday following his return to Camp Nou and the Catalans are confident he will soon be back to full match fitness.

They have no intention of taking any risks with their star forward, though, and could opt to rest him against Celta if there is a sense of doubt about his fitness, with the upcoming matches against Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain and Valencia all considered of greater importance.

Goal.com

Maher Taki