Barcelona La Liga

Messi ruled out of Barcelona’s season opener

Messi to miss Barcelona's season opener

Lionel Messi will miss the start of Barcelona's season opener against Athletic Bilbao this Friday. The Barca website released a statement of the traveling squad with Messi “injured and unavailable for selection.”

The 32-year-old Argentine is still recovering from a calf strain picked up in an August 5th pre-season training that saw him miss the team's tour in the United States.

Said coach Ernesto Valverde ahead of Friday's clash: “We never like to risk any players and much less someone like Leo.”

“He still hasn’t returned to training with the team and while we are happy with his progress, individual training is very different to playing a match. We are going to wait and see.”

Messi has been undergoing some intense sand workouts at the club's facilities in an attempt to speed up recovery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1MKE-cgfdZ/

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B059EHzA8__/

Barcelona have not specified date for Messi's return with Philippe Coutinho or Ousmane Dembele to start in his absence. Meanwhile, speculation over the transfer of Neymar drags on with a couple of weeks left in La Liga transfer window.

Related posts

Aubameyang refuses to commit future to Arsenal, linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid

Robert Baum

Real Madrid sign 21-year-old striker Luka Jovic

Robert Baum

The best La Liga strikers of all-time

Robert Baum

Results

#1. Who is the second top-leading EPL scorer behind Erling Haaland?

Harry Kane is the correct answer. He's scored 26 goals, putting him ahead of Ivan Toney (20), Mo Salah (19), and Marcus Rashford (16). Haaland, of course, leads the league with 35 record-breaking strikes.

Finish

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More