FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.12.2009 18:41

Messi out of the derby

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of the local derby against Espanyol this weekend after test results showed the extent of his ankle injury and he could also be doubtful for the FIFA Club World Cup semi final.

The Argentinian picked up the knock in the Champions League win in Kiev against Dynamo on Wednesday evening and has now been told he will be out for the Saturday game with the Blanc i Blau.

Second injury

It is the second time this season that Messi has been sidelined after he suffered a muscle injury in the game at San Mamés with Athletic Club that stopped him playing against Inter at Camp Nou. Already this term Messi has played 19 games, with 13 in the league, five in Europe and one in the Copa del Rey, and scored 12 goals.

World Club Cup

Barça will continue to monitor the star as he bids to try to return to fitness in order to appear in the FIFA Club World Cup. He also missed the tournament in 2006 with a broken toe.