Barcelona star Lionel Messi set for rest after kidney op

[Lebron23]

Get Well Soon Messi

Lionel Messi has not been ruled out of Wednesday's Copa del Rey trip to Valencia by Barcelona coach Luis Enrique but the Blaugrana superstar looks likely to be rested after undergoing a procedure to treat kidney stones.

Barcelona are in full control of the tie having hammered a sorry Valencia side 7-0 at the Camp Nou last Wednesday, with Luis Suarez scoring four times and Messi bagging a hat trick.


The Argentina captain's absence from training on Monday and Tuesday for "tests" on kidney problems which surfaced during December's World Club Cup in Japan has been communicated by the club.

Mundo Deportivo reported that Messi successfully underwent a minor kidney operation in Barcelona on Tuesday morning, but Luis Enrique was not keen to go into details when speaking with the media on Tuesday morning.

"I believe there is a statement from the club which explains it," Luis Enrique told a news conference. "From there the information is about a patient and is private. I have no comment to make."


Valencia coach Gary Neville said at his prematch news conference that he would also be shuffling his side, with 18-year-old midfielder Fran Villalba set to feature, as Los Che focus their energies on Saturday's huge La Liga game with also struggling Espanyol.

Luis Enrique said his plan for the game would not change even with the tie all but decided already, and claimed the humiliating scoreline actually posed new challenges for his side.

"We have prepared for tomorrow's game in the same way as if we did not have the first leg result," he said. "Tomorrow we will give the squad list, the same as always. Our objective is still the same, to be superior to the opponent. It is not an easy game. We will have to look for motivation for the players to compete well. I hope that the team shows up and goes for the win from the first minute."

The chance of Barca setting a new club record of 29 games unbeaten would not come into his thinking either, Luis Enrique said.

"That is not an extra motivation for us, nor will I use it as one," he said. "Statistics are very good, if they bring us closer to winning trophies."

http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/stor...fter-kidney-op

[Bosnian Sajo]

Great thread, I learned a lot.

[Nick Young]

That HGH abuse in his early career took a large toll on his kidneys. Get well soon Messi!

[alenleomessi]

this is not a big deal it happens to pretty much everyone.. he is back in training tomorrow.. probably will miss the the game because they are 7up

[Nick Young]

this is not a big deal it happens to pretty much everyone.. he is back in training tomorrow.. probably will miss the the game because they are 7up

Imagine if FIFA allowed Suarez or Neymar to use HGH like they did with Messi