LaLiga: Barcelona manager reveals why Messi has been in pain since Christmas

Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde, has revealed that captain Lionel Messi “has been in pain since Christmas”.

Messi, 31, suffered a groin injury while on international duty with Argentina last week, on what was his first return to the international stage since the 2018 World Cup.

He played the full 90 minutes of La Albiceleste’s 3-1 defeat to Venezuela, but was forced to miss the 1-0 win over Morroco on Tuesday.

Messi has since resumed full training with the Barca senior squad and he is in line to feature in Saturday’s derby against Espanyol.

Valverde has however admitted that the player has struggled with fitness issues since the turn of the year.

“We think it’s OK but he has been coping with these issues for a long time.

“We were taking care of it before Christmas. We have tried to make the pain subside and we will continue doing it. Now he has had a few days of rest.

“We do everything naturally, we talk to him after suffering a little problem in training and we do everything together. We make decisions together and talk to him to see how he is like I do with others,” he told a press conference.

More News

President Buhari to Embark on Eight-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Perform Umrah

On Tuesday morning, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform...

Senator-Elect Yar’Adua Commits to Delivering Change for Katsina Central District

Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Katsina Central Senatorial District has vowed to deliver on his campaign promises to the...

Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Killing of Pregnant Girlfriend in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested Philibus Ibrahim, who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year-old Theresa Yakubu, in Tudun Wada Local Government Area...

2023 Polls: Group warns Governor Matawalle over inciting comments, blaming Nigerian military

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), a Civil Society Organisation, has accused Governor Bello Matawalle of displaying undemocratic tendencies following his...