By Samuel Opio
Barcelona have confirmed that forward Lionel Messi is to miss “approximately three weeks” of action after fracturing his right arm.
The 31 year old landed awkwardly in the opening quarter of Barca’s 4-2 win over Sevilla in Saturday evening’s La Liga clash.
Messi, who had earlier assisted his side’s first goal of the night at Camp Nou, had to be replaced by Ousmane Dembele for the remaining 65 minutes of the match.
After undergoing tests on his damaged arm, it has been revealed that Messi suffered a fracture and will now miss next weekend’s first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid.
As well as sitting out the Madrid clash, Messi is also expected to miss Barcelona’s games against Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis, Inter Milan and Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey.
“It is clear it is a blow,” Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said.
“We know what he gives us and we know what he does to the opposition. We have to prepare ourselves, it is clear we are going to notice the loss of Messi but we have players that can cover,” he added.
The result sent Barcelona top of La Liga, but they will have to manage without their star player for at least three weeks.
