FC Barcelona on Tuesday announced that Lionel Messi has sustained a leg injury and needs six to eight weeks to recover. Messi sustained a left hamstring tear Sunday in Barcelona's 4-1 victory at Real Betis.
This means that Messi would be out until about Christmas, when the Spanish league takes its annual winter break.
Barcelona coach Tata Martino has expressed concern over the muscle problems affecting Messi.
"We are going to have to talk to Leo about whether or not he is worried, but it is the third injury that he has suffered of this kind (this season) and we don't know how it has affected his confidence," said Martino.
"I can't explain what is happening to him and I don't know whether or not it is down to coincidence, but I don't want to speak about things I don't know. First of all I want to know how serious the injury is and then get him fit again."
"We have the best player in the world but after that we have another four who are in the top six or seven in the world," said the Barcelona coach.
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas had a word of advice for Messi.
"He needs to rest for the time that is needed. He needs to be able to use his explosive pace in order to shine. Something similar happened to me and it is very difficult, you think that you have recovered but it's not the case".
The 26-year-old forward hurt his left thigh in August and then was sidelined for three weeks with a small muscle tear in his right thigh sustained in late September.
Barcelona lead the Spanish league but will now be without Messi for up to eight games, including its last two Champions League group games against Ajax and Celtic, four Spanish League matches and the two legs of the Copa del Rey's round of 32.
Despite his many injury problems this season, Messi has scored 14 goals in 16 games.
(with inputs from IANS)
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