Lionel Messi injury update: When will the Barcelona star return? How long is he out for?

Following a short break from football amid Christmas celebrations, Barcelona first team players returned to training on Sunday. But sight of club captain Lionel Messi arriving in training cast doubts if he was injured. And club have w confirmed that six-time Ballon d'Or winner has sustained an injury which makes him unavailable for selection for LaLiga clash against Eibar. 

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Lionel Messi injury news: Barcelona provide Lionel Messi injury update 

Barcelona released an official statement confirming Messi injury news. statement revealed that Argentina international h sustained an injury to his right ankle and will t be available for manr Ronald Koeman in game against Eibar on Monday. 

Messi h endured a difficult start to current LaLiga campaign but has recouped his form in previous few games. six-time Ballon d'Or winner was instrumental in Barcelona's 3-0 victory against Real Vallolid, netting third goal of night. striker also took his tally to 644 goals for Barcelona, overtaking Brazil legend Pele's single-club goal record for Santos. And Messi's injury thus casts trouble for club. 

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Lionel Messi injury update: When will Messi return? 

Amid injury report, Barcelona have also provided a stipulated timescale for Messi's return on field. club, in its statement, claimed that 32-year-old forward will be in time to return to training after Barcelona's LaLiga clash against Eibar. However, it is t clear if he will be able to be fit in time to play Huesca next week. 

Messi's injury is just one among many in alrey troubled injury list for Koeman. likes of Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto are set to miss out due to ir respective injuries. Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Jordi Alba is suspended for clash on Monday. 

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Will Barcelona recoup ir lost grip in LaLiga? 

Barcelona h a struggled start to current LaLiga campaign, but have regained ir fine form over previous few games. Catalan giants lost out just one game in previous five games. Koeman's men sit fifth in LaLiga standings with 24 points in 14 games. 

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Im courtesy: Barcelona Twitter