Madrid: Barcelona’s star striker Lionel Messi will miss Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash at home to Inter Milan, the European champions announced Sunday.
The little Argentine pulled a muscle in his left thigh in Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao.
Against Inter Barca will also be without Gabi Milito, Eric Abidal, Rafa Marquez, Yaya Toure and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, coach Josep Guardiola is hoping that all of these players will be fit for next Sunday’s “Clasico” at home to Real Madrid.
The draw in Bilbao leaves Barca second in La Liga, one point behind Real, who beat Racing Santander 1-0 at home Saturday.
IANS
First Published: Sunday, November 22, 2009, 19:16