Ernesto Valverde Gives An Update On Lionel Messi’s Latest Injury

Barcelona manager has given an update on the extent of Lionel Messi's injury after the Argentine walked off at half-time in the win over Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Messi has been battling fitness issue this season and did not make his first appearance for Barcelona until the last week's champions league draw against Dortmund where he came up as a substitute.

He had missed Barca's games up until that point due to a calf injury he picked up during pre-season. Tuesday's appearance was his first in La Liga this season, but he could only manage 45 minutes due to another injury.

With the La Liga champions struggling in games Messi has missed this season, his latest injury is a further blow to the club's hopes of retaining their title.

However, Valverde has assured fans that the Argentine's latest injury is not too serious and should be back on the pitch soon. ” When something happens to [Lionel] Messi, the world stops. Not only here at Barcelona.”

I don't think it is serious. We did not want to take any risk. We will see anyway. We will see tomorrow [Wednesday]. I cannot tell you anything now. He has been injured for a long time and we do not want to take any risks at the moment.”

Barca return to action on Saturday when they travel Coliseum Alfonso Pérez to take on Getafe.