Sept. 21 (UPI) — Lionel Messi bruised his knee bone in Paris Saint-Germain’s win over Lyon and will miss the club’s next match, PSG said Tuesday. The injury also raises doubt about his availability for the Champions League.
“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,” PSG said in a statement. “A follow-up examination will be carried out in 48 hours.”
Messi started at forward in the 2-1 win over Lyon on Sunday at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. He was substituted out in the 76th minute of his home debut for PSG.
“We had seen that Messi was touching his knee,” PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters Tuesday. “I’m very happy with what he did during the match [against Lyon]. After 75 minutes, taking into account the information we had, we made the decision” to take him out.
“Messi is a great champion, and like all great champions, he didn’t want to come off. I’m happy with his commitment and his performance. He hasn’t scored yet, but he played very well.”
Messi took four shots in Sunday’s win, but has yet to score or assist a goal for his new team. He joined PSG in August, ending 21 years at Barcelona. He joined the Spanish La Liga power’s academy at age 13.
PSG battles Metz in Ligue 1 at 3 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Metz, France. The club hosts Montpellier in another Ligue 1 match Saturday. PSG battles Manchester City in Champions League group play at 3 p.m. Sept. 28 in Paris.
Upi.com
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