adminMADRID. — Lionel Messi will be out for up to eight weeks with knee ligament damage suffered as Barcelona beat Las Palmas 2-1 on Saturday. Barca’s troubles were eased, though, as Real Madrid remain a point behind the Catalans after being held 0-0 at home by 10-man Malaga. Villarreal now lead La Liga as Leo Baptistao scored the only goal of the game against his parent club Atletico Madrid. Luis Suarez struck twice to ensure no more damage was done to Barca’s title chances, but the hosts were left hanging on after Jonathan Viera’s deflected effort three minutes from time halved the deficit.
“Firstly, it is always sad when a player gets injured. It is without doubt the worst thing in football for the players,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique.
“Obviously, when it is Leo Messi even more so for the weight he carries amongst our group.
“It is logical in football that players will get injured and we have to know how to overcome it. I am sure we will perform at a good level.” — AFP.
Online Reporter