Messi Could Return From Ankle Injury Within 10 Days

Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2010 by Goal.com

Lionel Messi could return to action for Barcelona in as little as 10 days despite leaving the Vicente Calderon on crutches on Sunday evening following a late challenge from Atletico Madrid stopper Tomas Ujfalusi.

The former Czech Republic international made a wild lunge at the Argentine during stoppage time of the Blaugrana’s 2-1 win, and clearly caught Messi on the side of the ankle, which begun to swell almost immediately.

The 23-year-old left the pitch in some distress and although a fracture to the ankle was immediately ruled out, it was thought that at least a two-week recuperation period would be necessary.

However, after an extensive medical examination this morning, doctors confirmed that Messi has suffered sprained ankle ligaments, meaning he could return slightly earlier than originally planned.

If the injury heals as expected he could be available for selection for coach Pep Guardiola in time for the trip to Russia to face Rubin Kazan on Wednesday of next week, but will almost certainly miss Wednesday’s match versus Sporting Gijon at the Camp Nou, as well as next weekend’s trip to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao.