After missing a week of play, a joint statement by Argentina National Team Doctor, Daniel Martinez, and FCB Medical Services posted on Goal.com states Leo Messi is making “considerable improvements.” They continued, “the player will continue doing specific recovery exercises until he is ready to resume normal training with the rest of his team-mates.” FC Barcelona is hopeful he will be ready for their upcoming Champions League campaign kick-off on September 17 against APOEL.
Messi suffered the injury to his right adductor after playing the full 90-minute 1-0 win against Villareal, August 31. Subsequently the Argentinean was forced to miss an international friendly rematch against Germany last Wednesday. Luckily, his compatriot, Ángel Di Maria picked up the reigns leading the Argentinians to a 4-2 win against the recent World Cup Champions.
So far, Barça have done extremely well to open the 2014 La Liga season with two wins. However, their front line is now weakened with Messi out, Neymar continuing his recovery from his back injury, while Suarez is serving his sanction until late October.
Messi’s injury luckily happened just before the International break, giving him time to recover properly. Though the injury is not serious, there is no official return date. Barça will see if he is able to train this week before worrying about any losses suffered by the club in his possible absence in upcoming games. Following the recent news of their transfer window ban until January 2016, it will be in the club’s best interest to act preemptively regarding any further injuries.
Meanwhile, fans continue to stand by anxiously for the debut of the dream team trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez. Neymar lead Brazil to a 1-0 victory against Colombia Friday, his first as captain. Even with a perfect percentage two weeks into the season, expectations remain high, waiting to see how the three will work together with their teammates bolstering their strength.
Back at Camp Nou, the DAILY MAIL reported Barça’s announcement that it will host a training game between their B-squad and starting line Thursday, to benefit Suarez. Since the Uruguayan is banned from any official competition, Manager Luis Enriquez, wants to ensure that his fitness is kept high. The ban is set to lift just two days prior to their first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid.
If reports and the statement are on cue, Enriquez shouldn’t worry too much about missing Messi for much longer.
