Messi blow for Barca

Barcelona are sweating on the fitness of superstar Lionel Messi ahead of their two huge matches this week.

Messi limped off during the second half of last night’s 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao with a thigh problem in his left leg and he will undergo tests today to determine the extent of the injury.

Barca will be keeping their fingers crossed as they face Inter Milan in a crucial Champions League fixture in midweek before hosting bitter rivals Real Madrid in La Liga at the Nou Camp next weekend.

Barca boss Pep Guardiola admitted following last night’s game at San Mames: “The initial feelings are not too good to be honest.

“I’m sure that he feels sad, nobody likes to be injured.”

Messi’s injury is the latest setback for Barca, who were already without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Yaya Toure, Eric Abidal and Rafael Marquez for last night’s game.

Toure and Abidal were both missing due to swine flu, and Marquez has undergone tests to determine whether he has the virus as well.

“What can we do? Stand still? The fans must understand that we will play with what we have,” added Guardiola with regards to the absentees.

Barca defender Dani Alves, who put his side ahead against Athletic in the 54th minute before the home side drew level through Gaizka Toquero nine minutes later, admits it would be a blow to lose Messi.

“It’s bad news because he is an important piece for us, although we must wait to know the extent of the injury,” the Brazilian said.

To cap a disappointing night for the reigning European and Spanish champions, they also lost top spot in La Liga to Madrid, who beat Racing Santander earlier in the evening.

Barca midfielder Xavi said: “It’s a shame that Madrid will arrive at the Nou Camp as leaders.”