Lionel Messi injury: Barcelona fear Argentina superstar could be ruled out FOUR MONTHS if groin problem persists
Attacker could require surgery if he continues to play through the pain barrier as Barca bosses insist they are not taking 'unnecessary risks' with player's health
BARCELONA fear Lionel Messi could be ruled out for FOUR MONTHS if his groin problems persist.
The Argentinian superstar has been plagued by the injury in the early weeks of the season and was sent home early from international duty last week when it flared up again.
Messi, 29, underwent a scan in Spain on Monday and the club ruled out a serious issue.
He returned to training on Wednesday despite the fact that doctors have recommended a three to four week resting period.
Messi is unlikely to feature in Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Alaves on Saturday.
Related stories
But with the Champions League clash against Celtic following next week and a clash with title rivals Ateltico Madrid around the corner, the club may be prepared to let the attacker play through the pain barrier.
reports that the club are following a clinical study which identifies four strategies for curing the problem.
Routes one and two have already failed. The fourth will see Messi undergo surgery which could keep him out for three to four months.
Barcelona must decide how far they are prepared to push the star in the hope that the injury does not grow more serious.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu is adamant that the situation has been managed correctly.
He told Catalan radio station RAC1: “No one has taken unnecessary risks.
“These are things which happen, especially with a footballer who plays as much as Leo.
“We didn't recommend to the AFA [Argentine Football Association] that they shouldn't play him in the match against Uruguay.
“We just told them he had discomfort in his groin and attached the medical report.”