Lionel Messi will not travel with Paris Saint-Germain to face FC Metz in Ligue 1 on Wednesday after scans on Tuesday revealed damage to his left knee with bruising of the bone after he took a knock in the 2-1 win at home to Olympique Lyonnais last Sunday.
The Argentina international was substituted during the Lyon clash and appeared to be displeased with head coach Mauricio Pochettino as he made his way off the Parc des Princes pitch before compatriot Mauro Icardi eventually scored a late winner for the hosts.
Messi, 34, has now been ruled out for the midweek trip to struggling Metz and this weekend’s home clash with Montpellier HSC might also be in doubt with the UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City to come next week.
“Lionel Messi, who took a knock to his left knee against Lyon, underwent an MRI on Tuesday morning which confirmed signs of bruising of the bone” read PSG’s official medical bulletin. “A follow-up examination will be carried out in 48 hours.”
Messi’s absence will continue to make it harder for Pochettino to develop the chemistry between star trio Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe with the Brazilian and Frenchman likely to be joined in attack by Angel Di Maria at Stade Saint Symphorien on Wednesday although Icardi will also be in contention after his heroics.
“The club have made a statement on Messi’s situation — it is clear,” said Pochettino during PSG’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “On the touchline, we see things. We saw Leo touching his knee, testing himself. We are very happy with his first half and he was not far away from scoring.
“After 75 minutes, with the information which we had, we decided to replace him. I understand and accept the discussion in this type of scenario. It does not surprise me. Like I said, after 75 minutes and with the information we had at hand, we decided to think about what was best for the player.”
PSG’s medical update also stated that Marco Verratti has returned to running in a potential boost pre-City while Sergio Ramos continues to work alone on the training pitch as he is yet to feature competitive for his new club.
