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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Barcelona confirm Lionel Messi injury but seek to allay long-term worries

Lionel Messi is dealing with a thigh issue but Barcelona claim the Argentine will not be sidelined for long.

The 32-year-old was absent from training which sparked rumours over his fitness.

Suggestions were that Messi was doing gym work away from the team, but the La Liga leaders have since confirmed he was nursing a slight injury.

The Argentine's absence would be a huge blow for a Barcelona side that are looking to secure a hat-trick of league titles.

They hold a two-point advantage over Real Madrid but given the prolonged break were conscious that injuries were a possibility.

Lionel Messi was not training with his team-mates (FC Barcelona via Getty Images)

They said in a club statement on their official website : “Quique Setien and his team were back out on the training ground this Friday after taking the previous day off.

“Barca captain Leo Messi has a minor right quadriceps injury and trained in isolation, doing specific exercises to avoid unnecessary risks with just eight days remaining before Barca finally get back to playing matches. He should be able to rejoin his team-mates in a few days’ time.

“All of the available players were at the Ciutat Esportiva, where they were joined by Jorge Cuenca and Kike Saverio as well as the other B team players who have been working out with the first team over the last few days.

Barcelona have revealed he was struggling with an injury (FC Barcelona via Getty Images)

"Inaki Pena, R. Araujo, Chumi, Monchu, Riqui Puig, Collado and Ansu Fati. The latter, like Messi, worked out individually this morning.

“For tomorrow’s Saturday session the players will train again, but unusually, this session is going to be on the pitch in the Camp Nou as Setien works to get his players ready for the return to football, but with games being played behind closed doors.”

Barcelona's first game back is away at Real Mallorca on June 13.

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