Argentina coach waits for injured Messi to recover

Buenos Aires: Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said he is waiting to see if injured Lionel Messi will recover and be able to play against Paraguay Sep 10 in Asuncion, Paraguay, as part of the Brazil 2014 South American qualifying tournament.

Sabella, who returned to Buenos Aires after a trip to Europe, said Messi "had a blow two days ago, so depending on his recovery, he will or will not play." "It is still very early to say," said Sabella Friday referring to Messi`s injury suffered in the Barcelona-Atletico Madrid league game. he Argentine coach told local sports television channel TyC that the Barcelona star "suffered a contusion that caused him a bruise that the body normally `reabsorbs` in one week." Despite the injury, Sabella included Messi in the 18-player lineup made public Friday for the game against Paraguay. Sabella met Messi, Javier Mascherano and Gerardo Martino in Barcelona. He also met Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta in England and their coach in Manchester City, Chilean Manuel Pellegrini. Argentina lead the South American qualifying tournament with 26 points, three more than Colombia. Argentina will face Paraguay in Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion, to play the 15th of the total 19 scheduled matches. There are four spots for Brazil 2014 for South American teams, while the fifth one will be decided with an Asian team. IANS