Barcelona injury update: While it has been known that Lionel Messi is doubtful for El Clasico, fresh reports suggest an even worse issue.
Barcelona shared points with Valencia after Lionel Messi led the side to a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.
Even when Barca dropped points, they stayed six points ahead of the second-placed Atletico Madrid, who suffered a stunning defeat to Real Betis last night.
While Atletico’s result has eased Barcelona’s run for the La Liga title, things are far from cheerful among the club’s fans as Lionel Messi’s injury has aggravated concerns over his participation in the El Clasico.
The captain didn’t join the training on Monday. However, there might be another shock for Barca fans as Spanish media outlet AS reports that Messi is not the only one at risk for the Copa del Rey semifinal.
Barcelona injury update:
It was earlier reported that Lionel Messi didn’t attend the training session as he recovers from a probable injury in the right thigh muscle.
AS‘ sources have now stated that Messi has undergone a series of tests at the Ciutat Esportiva.
📺 [TV3] | Messi’s injury did not worsen and this increases the probability of him featuring on Wednesday’s ElClasico while Dembele who was expected to return is suffering from tonsillitis. pic.twitter.com/LFTsvSBy22
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 4, 2019
I wouldn’t risk Messi or Dembélé on Wednesday. I think our squad is capable of winning this Madrid side yet again. Here is my lineup for Wednesday vs Madrid. Ter Stegen, Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba. Rakitic, Busi, Arthur and the front three should be Malcom, Suarez, Coutinho.
— M. (@EnjoyArthur) February 4, 2019
However, it has also been reported that Ousmane Dembele has been diagnosed with tonsilitis. It usually takes three to four days to recover from the condition.
The Barca insiders have further told AS that the current attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho is ‘exhausted’ after playing six games inside 15 days.
During this time, Barcelona played the second leg of the round-of-16 of the Copa del Rey, and the quarterfinal against Sevilla. The latter was of huge significance as Barcelona made a comeback from 0-2 down in the first leg.
Ernesto Valverde is sure to have a selection headache as the side gears up for the heavyweight clash against Real Madrid in the semifinal of the competition.
📅 15 Years Ago Today:
✍ Lionel Messi signed his first professional contract with @FCBarcelona.
📈 Since then:
🏟 664 Games
🇦🇷 128 Caps
⚽ 646 Goals
🎯 275 Assists🏆 32 Club Trophies
🏅 5 Ballon d’Or😳 Scored 91 Goals in 2012.
🐐 1 of the best. pic.twitter.com/M18H5pyr23
— SPORF (@Sporf) February 4, 2019
Vinicius Jr on the upcoming Barcelona match: ”Nothing scares me. I play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world. I don’t fear anything.” pic.twitter.com/OZYJ4bfieh
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) February 4, 2019
In their first meeting in the league earlier this season, Barcelona registered a thumping 5-0 win over Real Madrid. Julen Lopetegui was sacked by Real Madrid as a result.
The first leg of the tie will be played at Camp Nou on February 6.
