Messi in light training after injury scare

MADRID (AFP) –

Barcelona‘s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts during the UEFA Champions League football match against SL Benfica at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 5. Messi took part in light training on Thursday after being stretchered off with a knee injury during the 0-0 draw at home to Benfica in the Champions League.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi took part in light training on Thursday after being stretchered off with a knee injury during the 0-0 draw at home to Benfica in the Champions League.

“Leo Messi who played last night worked out in the weight room today,” read a club statement on their website as fears about the seriousness of the Argentine’s injuries began to wane.

“Messi was the victim of a bruise on the outside of his knee and will undergo further tests to determine the exact damage,” said the club.

Messi came on in the 58th minute against Benfica in a match that was meaningless to Barcelona but was chasing his 85th goal of the calendar year which would have equalled Gerd Mueller’s long-standing record.

Early reports said the 25-year-old may be out of action for two weeks.

Barcelona have three Liga matches before the end of the year, including a top of the table clash at home to Atletico Madrid on December 16, before their final match of the year on December 22 when they travel to Valladolid.