Messi blow hangs heavy on Barça
 

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FC Barcelona will attempt to keep their Primera División chances alive at home against Villarreal CF on Sunday, but they will have to do so without Lionel Messi as the Argentina forward begins a six-week lay-off.

Tearful retreat
Suffering his fourth thigh injury since he turned professional in 2004, Messi left the Camp Nou pitch in tears on Tuesday, 38 minutes into Barcelona's 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Celtic FC. It was the 20-year-old's second muscle tear in less than three months, following a similar injury against Valencia CF on 15 December, and he could miss up to ten games for the Catalan side.

Madrid lead
The first of those brings Barcelona up against third-placed Villarreal, in a repeat of the Copa del Rey quarter-final at the same stadium on 31 January, which the hosts won 1-0. Frank Rijkaard's men have a seven-point lead over the visitors in the standings, but their focus is fixed on catching pacesetters Real Madrid CF, who are five points clear following Barça's 4-2 loss at Club Atlético de Madrid last weekend.

Increased pressure
That advantage could be even greater after Madrid entertain RCD Espanyol on Saturday, yet the Camp Nou outfit will try to take some comfort from statistics as they prepare for life without Messi. So far this season, they have contested nine matches without their tricky talisman, resulting in four wins, four draws, 15 goals and just one reverse. Likewise, they can call upon the healthy members of their 'Fantastic Four': Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o.

Henry praise
Various injuries to each player have denied supporters the chance of seeing the quartet in full flow, but the trio available nonetheless account for 32 of the club's 75 goals in all competitions this term (42.6 per cent). "Messi is an important player and has the skill to do incredible things and make a difference," said Henry. "As for me, I'm never happy with my performance, just the same as I was at Arsenal. Sometimes you can play well and lose but the important thing is to win and if I don't play well, it doesn't matter then."

Godín upset
Villarreal defender Diego Godín admits to mixed feelings about Messi's absence. "Although his injury is an advantage for us, I was upset to see him leave the pitch in tears," said the Uruguayan. "As a footballer, I'd have preferred him not to get injured. Messi is the most dangerous and talented player at Barcelona and in Spanish football. We still face a very difficult match but we want to win, especially after our cup elimination."


Source: UEFA