'ESPN': Messi basically out of the Super Cup

Barcelona have injury issues. With just a few hours until Barca meet Real Sociedad in the Spanish Super Cup, Leo Messi's presence is not certain. 

The Argentine missed the light training session on Wednesday morning, since he ended the match against Granada with injury problems. The cameras spotted the Argentine holding his femoral biceps in his left leg. 

Ronald Koeman spoke about this injury in the pre-match press conference. The Dutch coach did not hide the fact that several Barca players have injury problems and one of them is the Argentine. 

That, added to the fact the Barca striker did not take part has set alarm bells ringing. If he cannot play, Koeman will have to decide between Braithwaite and Trincao to replace Messi. 

Such is Messi's situation that 'ESPN' have even said that he is "basically ruled out" of the big match this Wednesday against Real Sociedad. Initially, it was thought that the injury was very minor, but he has not fully recovered from it yet.

Therefore, on Thursday morning, after not feeling right, the Argentinian striker decided to stay in the hotel as a precaution. 

 

January 13, 2021

21 matches, 14 goals and three assists

Messi's absence in the Barca attack would be a big problem for Koeman. The Argentinian star once again has sensational numbers. So far this season, he has scored 14 goals in 21 official matches. 

In La Liga, after 17 matches, Messi has scored on 11 occasions and given two assists. In his last five matches, he has scored six goals, offered two assists and hit the woodwork thrice.