Paris Saint-Germain will be without Lionel Messi against Metz on Wednesday as the Argentina international has sustained a knee injury.
Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 trip to Metz on Wednesday with a knee injury that also renders him doubtful for a reunion with Pep Guardiola next week.
The Argentina international sustained the problem during PSG’s late 2-1 win against Lyon on Sunday as they made it six wins from six to begin their new league campaign.
Messi made his home debut in that match but was substituted off with the scores level, meaning he has yet to score in three appearances since joining from Barcelona last month.
PSG will not have Messi in their squad to face Metz at Stade Saint-Symphorien, with that game coming six days before a Champions League trip to Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The French giants confirmed the injury blow in an injury update posted on their official website on Tuesday.
“Messi, following the blow received on his left knee, underwent an MRI which confirms the signs of bone contusion,” the update read. “A new test will be carried out in 48 hours.”
PSG also confirmed that Marco Verratti returned to training on Tuesday, while Sergio Ramos – yet to feature since joining from Real Madrid – is continuing to train individually.
Pochettino’s decision to bring on Achraf Hakimi for Messi with his side chasing a goal against Lyon dominated all the talk after last weekend’s contest.
Messi was involved in six shots (four attempts, two chances created) – only Kylian Mbappe against Clermont (seven) has managed better in a league game for PSG this term.
Pochettino insisted there were “no issues” with Messi when speaking after the game and has once again defended his decision to bring off the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I understand the situation and accept it as it is,” Pochettino said at a news conference on Tuesday previewing the clash with Metz.
“The priority is always the players and their well-being. We thought the best decision was to take him off. But of course, all champions want to be on the pitch all the time.”
Asked to elaborate on Messi’s injury, Pochettino said: “The club have already communicated that. During the match we saw he was checking his knee after being struck.
“When we saw that we made a decision. We were happy with his performance and I am happy with his commitment. He didn’t score but was otherwise very good.”
Culled from as.com
