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Lionel Messi has missed the Club World Cup semifinal in Yokohama due to renal colic, a problem caused by kidney stones. The Argentine forward is a doubt for the Club World Cup final, to be played in 3 days on the 20th of December, with Barcelona sweating on their talisman’s fitness dependant on further tests.
Barcelona released a statement on their website detailing the player’s injury ahead of their semifinal vs Guangzhou Evergrande, saying, “Leo Messi will not be playing in today’s Club World Cup semi-final against Guangzhou Evergrande. The Argentinian striker is suffering from renal colic, a type of abdominal pain commonly caused by kidney stones, and will be absent for the 11:30am CET kick-off against the Asian champions.”
“His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests.”
Messi had only recently returned to action last month following a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, but the Argentine should recover far more quickly than the 56 days it took him to make his comeback.
Speaking to the press after the match, Barcelona’s first team technical director Robert Fernandez confirmed that Messi and Neymar were both doubtful for the final.
Suarez thrives in Messi’s absence
Messi’s injury meant that Luis Suarez is the only fit part of the much-vaunted MSN trio, with Neymar also injured. The Brazilian forward, who injured himself training before Barcelona’s Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen picked up a groin strain and is unlikely to take part in the Club World Cup, despite having travelled with the team.
Luis Enrique was reluctant to play the Brazilian, saying, “We will decide (whether Neymar plays or not) when the moment arrives, if that moment arrives, because first we must get to the final.”
“The only thing I am concerned with is that he recovers 100 percent.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona hadn’t felt Messi & Neymar’s absence in their game against Guangzhou Evergrande, with Suarez thriving in their absence. The Uruguayan striker scored a hat-trick against the Chinese AFC Champions League winners, giving Barcelona a comfortable 3-0 win.
Suarez is the only member of the MSN trio not to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or and will appreciate the chance to grab the spotlight. However, the forward hoped that his teammates recovered as soon as possible, saying, “We missed two key players, so we knew we had to be focused. Messi ready for final? Think so, we hope he recovers quickly.”
Barcelona face River Plate in the Club World Cup final, in a bid to win their fourth trophy of the calendar year, having won the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey already.
