SPORTS
LIONEL MESSI SUFFERS ANKLE INJURY IN WIN OVER ATLETICO
Baku, September 20 (AZERTAC). Lionel Messi suffered suspected ankle ligament damage in Barcelona`s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
The Argentine was carried off in second-half injury time after a tackle by Atletico defender Tomas Ujfalusi and could be out for at least two weeks.
Barca`s official website confirmed that Messi sprained ligaments in his right ankle but suffered no bone damage.
The World Player of the Year is due to have tests on Monday to ascertain the extent of his injury.
Despite Ujfalusi picking up a second yellow card for the tackle, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was critical of referee David Fernández Borbalán.
"We are happy with the win but sad about Messi," said Guardiola at a post-match news conference.
"In principle, a fracture is ruled out which was what was worrying us. Tomorrow we`ll do some tests and they`ll tell us how he is.
"The TV pictures speak for themselves. It is not only Cristiano Ronaldo who needs protecting. The referees should protect all the players."
Messi is expected to miss league matches against Sporting Gijon, Real Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao along with the Champions League trip to Rubin Kazan on 29 September.
