Messi will be back, Henry warns

Thierry Henry has backed Lionel Messi to return from injury and make a key contribution to Barcelona's challenge for honours.

Messi sustained a hamstring injury in Tuesday night's Champions League win against Celtic and, after leaving the field in tears, was ruled out of action for up to six weeks.

The Argentina international will miss around six league games, plus the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Valencia and both of Barca's Champions League quarter-final matches.

Although it is a major blow to Barca's hopes of landing silverware this season, Henry insists Messi will still have a big part to play.

He told the club's official website, www.fcbarcelona.com: "We all saw how Leo felt.

"All Barca fans suffered on Tuesday. But I believe it's especially difficult for him. He's done some incredible things this season.

"The most important thing for him is that he recovers and comes back at a time that we hope will be important for us."

Henry admitted it would be tough to cope without the South American winger and called on the whole squad to rally round.

"Leo is Leo and it will be very difficult for us to cover his absence," added the France international.

"But we have Samuel (Eto'o), Ronaldinho, Xavi... We need the whole squad.

"He's very important because he always makes a difference and it's very difficult to play without a footballer like him. But we have to do it."

Barcelona are five points behind Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid, whose form has dipped in recent weeks.

Henry is confident Frank Rijkaard's side can catch the capital club if they can produce consistently good results.

"The league is very difficult," said Henry. "Now we only have 'cup finals'. Every match is a final.

"We can't make any more mistakes and we have to hope that Madrid slip up again."

Reclaiming the Primera Liga title they lost to Madrid last season would be a wonderful end to what has been a difficult season for Barca, who have had to cope with injuries to Eto'o, Ronaldinho and now Messi.

It would also restore fans' confidence in under-fire coach Frank Rijkaard.

The Dutchman has come in for criticism this season for what many believe to be a lack of dressing room discipline.

Henry is baffled by the allegations levelled at the former AC Milan midfielder, however.

"He (Rijkaard) won it all as a player," ssaid Henry. "And with Barca he's won nearly everything. Sometimes people forget what the boss has done.

"In my opinion he's a great coach. I don't understand criticism for the sake of criticising but football is a sport where everyone has an opinion."

Rijkaard's rotation policy has also been questioned but Henry insists it is not a problem among the players.

"The boss is the only person who has the decision and you have to accept it," he said.

"The players don't comment. I don't understand why people on the outside speak.

"The boss does his job and you shouldn't talk about what he does. People talk about everything and criticise everything."