Messi out for up to five weeks with thigh injury (17 Dec 2007 22:14 GMT)
Argentina youngstar Lionel Messi will be out of action for up to five weeks after tearing a thigh muscle in his left leg.
Barcelona forward had to be substituted just before halftime of his side's 3-0 victory away to Valencia in the Primera Liga, having helped set up the first two goals for Samuel Eto'o.
Tests by club doctors on Sunday confirmed the original diagnosis, which rules him out of the top-of-the-table clash with league leaders Real Madrid next weekend.
Messi is Barca's top scorer in the league with eight goals, and could miss up to seven league and King's Cup matches before returning, the club said.
source : Reuters