Barcelona's Messi out for up to five weeks with thigh injury
MADRID (AFP) — Barcelona's top goal scorer this season, Argentine Lionel Messi, will be out of action for up to five weeks with a left thigh injury.
Messi limped off shortly before half-time in Barcelona's 3-0 league win over Valencia on Saturday.
"Messi will be out for between four and five weeks," with a torn muscle in his left thigh, Barca announced, citing the club's medical staff.
The Argentinian will miss up to seven matches, including next Sunday's crucial title duel with Real Madrid, a huge blow for Barcelona with Messi having scored eight goals already this season.
Messi also scored a sensational hat-trick in the corresponding fixture, which finished 3-3 last season.
