Barcelona Confirm Lionel Messi Injury But Insist Quick Recovery Is Expected

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi has picked up an injury and has trained away from the rest of the Barcelona first team, but expect him to join up with the rest of the squad in 'a few days' time'.

Messi is currently recovering from a knee problem which has raised fears over his involvement when La Liga resumes on 11 June, but the latest update from the club suggests he is on closing in on full fitness.

Quique Setien had given his side the day off on Thursday, but the club confirmed that the side were back in action on Friday, albeit without Messi.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Quique Setien and his team were back out on the training ground this Friday after taking the previous day off.

"Barça 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 Barça finally get back to playing matches. He should be able to rejoin his teammates in a few days’ time."

La Blaugrana will resume the 2019/20 season with an away clash at Real Mallorca, currently boasting a two-point lead over nearest challengers Real Madrid atop the league table.

It was previously reported that Messi's injury usually requires a seven to ten day period on the sidelines, which could have ruled him out of their 13 June clash, but the newest updates offer some optimism that he may be back in time to feature in some capacity.

Asnu Fati is another player who trained alone on Friday after suffering a slight pain in his knee, although while no time frame was put on his return, the problem is thought to be less serious.

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