Messi set to miss Madrid match

FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will be out for the next four to five weeks after straining his left thigh in last night’s 3-0 win at Valencia CF.

Derby disappointment
The Argentinian international was withdrawn in the 42nd minute and medical tests have confirmed he will certainly miss the big derby with Real Madrid CF next Sunday. Messi is also likely to be unavailable for the games against RCD Mallorca and Real Murcia CF after the mid-season break. However, the 20-year-old should be fit in time for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League starting in mid-February. Messi has been in superb form this season with eight goals in 15 Primera División appearances.