Barca allay Messi injury fears
Reuters - Thursday 31 March 2011, 11:31
MADRID - Leaders Barcelona breathed a
sigh of relief on Thursday after tests showed that a suspected
injury to joint La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi on international
duty with Argentina was merely a scare.
The World Player of the Year, level on 27 goals with Real
Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, pulled out of Argentina's
friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday as a precaution.
He had tests on the adductor muscle in his right leg on
Thursday at a clinic in the Catalan capital as Barca prepare to
defend their five-point lead over chasing Real Madrid at
third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.
"Once the tests were completed doctors ruled out any muscle
injury," Barca said.
"The player will have physiotherapy between now and
Saturday, when a decision will be taken on his participation in
the Villarreal game."