Messi recovering at breakneck speed
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FC Barcelona striker Leo Messi is making a rapid recovery from his ankle injury and could return to action in less than a week.
When Atletico Madrid defender Tomas Ujfalusi's lunge at Messi in the closing minute of last weekend's match between Atletico and Barcelona led to Messi being carried off the pitch with a swollen ankle, it looked as if Messi was destined for a long time on the sidelines.
Initial diagnosis were that he would be out of action for between 25 and 45 days with damaged ligaments. Those worries were calmed last Monday when tests confirmed the striker would be sidelined for between 15-20 days.
Now Messi appears to be recovering at an even faster rate and on Friday he was back on the training pitch.
Barcelona were initially worried that contractual obligations would force Messi to travel to Japan with the Argentinean national team in two weeks while he was still struggling for fitness, but Barca coach Pep Guardiola confirmed that he now has no problem with his star player making the trip.
"I order to avoid speculation, I am saying now that Messi will be with his national team and I think he will be fine," said Guardiola, who added he had discussed the matter with Argentina coach Julio Batista.
However, Guardiola wanted to calm the euphoria surrounding Messi's rapid recovery.
"He has been walking on the pitch, he has not done any running and he has certainly not done any exercises with the ball," he assured.
Meanwhile the President of the Argentina Football Federation, Julio Grondona also highlighted the good relations with FC Barcelona.
"It depends on Barcelona, but we are going to be sensible in this. It is not a question of money but of the player. If he can play, then he will play, but if he can't play then he won't. The most important thing is Leo' s health," he confirmed in an interview on radio station, Cadena Cope.
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