Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reportedly been “ruled out” of the Clasico against Real Madrid on November 21 due to his recovery going slower than expected.
According to Sport, the Argentine’s initial prognosis of seven to eight weeks on the sidelines will not be met as he is still not ready to start running over long distances with the left knee he ruptured against Las Palmas in September.
Nonetheless, Barca players and staff alike have made it clear to the Spanish media that they would rather Messi return fully fit as opposed to rushing his recovery for the Clasico, especially as the match has come far too early to be considered a La Liga title-decider.
The No 10 is currently working with two Argentines in physio Luis Garcia and masseuse Marcelo D’Angelo, the pair who informed Albiceleste boss Tata Martino that the player would not be available for upcoming games against Brazil and Colombia.
Messi – who had hesitated in leaving his crutches, Sport reports – is also believed to be wary of returning prematurely, more so due to the delicacy of his MCL tear, and therefore will not do so until he feels 100 percent.
Consequently, that has delayed his treatment by the tune of two weeks, meaning he is not expected back until the beginning of next month.
