Messi in doubt for Mallorca, PSG

Lionel Messi remains in doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final second leg with Paris Saint-Germain following tests.

Messi was withdrawn at half-time in the 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes on Tuesday, when he appeared to suffer a leg injury shortly after putting Barcelona 1-0 ahead.

The Argentina star has since undergone scans, and the club have confirmed he has a problem with his right femoral bicep, putting him in doubt for Saturday’s Liga match with Real Mallorca.

A statement on Barca’s official website read: “Tests have confirmed that Leo Messi has a muscle injury in the femoral bicep of his right leg. He is a doubt for the Liga match on Saturday, and his rate of recovery will determine his availability for subsequent commitments.”

Messi’s fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano was stretchered off against PSG and Barca have since announced he suffered a medial ligament tear in his right knee.

He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, adding to Barca’s defensive injury woes, with captain Carles Puyol also out following knee surgery.

Mascherano, 28, was booked in the first leg, meaning he would have been suspended for the return fixture.