Monday, November 13, 2006
Messi suffers metatarsal blow
Barcelona star Leo Messi is set to be out well into the New Year after picking up a foot injury on Sunday against Real Zaragoza.
The Argentinian lasted only 23 minutes of the match before being replaced by Ludovic Giuly, and it has since been confirmed that he has suffered a broken metatarsal and will need to undergo an operation.
"Messi has fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. The treatment will be surgical and the expected loss is around three months," said a medical statement on the Barcelona website.
The injury means Messi will miss the two crucial Champions League matches against Levski Sofia and Werder Bremen, which defending champions Barca both need to win or risk facing an embarrassing early exit out of the tournament.
Barca, who are already missing star striker Samuel Eto'o with a serious knee injury, are also sweating on the fitness of holding midfielder Edmilson, who damaged an ankle in the first half of Sunday's game and is likely to be missing for 10 days.
Despite those two injuries, Barca were still able to beat in-form Zaragoza 3-1 at the Nou Camp to move back to the top of the Primera Liga table.
"Messi has fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. The treatment will be surgical and the expected loss is around three months," said a medical statement on the Barcelona website.
The injury means Messi will miss the two crucial Champions League matches against Levski Sofia and Werder Bremen, which defending champions Barca both need to win or risk facing an embarrassing early exit out of the tournament.
Barca, who are already missing star striker Samuel Eto'o with a serious knee injury, are also sweating on the fitness of holding midfielder Edmilson, who damaged an ankle in the first half of Sunday's game and is likely to be missing for 10 days.
Despite those two injuries, Barca were still able to beat in-form Zaragoza 3-1 at the Nou Camp to move back to the top of the Primera Liga table.
# posted by mojtaba @ 9:14 AM 
