Messi injured, doubtful for start of LaLiga campaign

Sports Desk: Barcelona captain Leo Messi will not join his teammates on their tour of the United States and is doubtful for the start of his side’s Liga title defence after picking up a calf injury on his first day back in training at Camp Nou.

Questions will be asked of Barça’s medical staff after it emerged that the Argentinean was not given any kind of medical examination before starting Monday’s session after his return to the club following his participation in the Copa América. Messi returned to Barcelona in Sunday but was not given a once-over by the club’s doctors as it customary and as has been the case with the rest of the squad as they have filtered back from international duty and holidays.

A club statement confirmed Messi’s injury and gave no indication as to his likely return date, although it is expected he will miss Barcelona’s Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao, which will be played either on Friday 16 or Saturday 17 August depending on the outcome of another standoff between the LFP and the Spanish Football Federation.

risingbd/Dhaka/August 05, 2019/AKA