Messi playing it safe after latest injury that could ruin World Cup chances
Lionel Messi has suffered another minor injury and won’t play in PSG’s game against Lorient with the 2022 World Cup just two weeks away.
No matter how insignificant it may seem, any injury picked up by any player in the next two weeks could well mean World Cup heartbreak. And the latest man to have been given an fitness scare is Lionel Messi. The Argentine won’t be involved in Paris Saint-Germain’s game against Lorient on Sunday due to Achilles tendinitis, although the French club have stated that his absence isa precautionary measure and that he is due to return to training next week.
Being fully fit for the World Cup is Messi’s top priority, which means the Argentina captain is unwilling to take any fitness-related risks this close to start of the tournament. PSG’s two remaining games before play gets underway in Qatar, against Lorient and Auxerre at the Parc des Princes, are not considered do-or-die for Christophe Galtier’s men, who currently hold a five-point lead at the top of Ligue 1.This weekend’s match will be the third that Messi has missed this season, having sat out the league fixture with Stade de Reims and Champions League clash with Benfica after picking up a separate injury at the start of October.
Messi’s absence will be offset by Neymar’s return, with the Brazilian set to come back into the starting line-up after not featuring in Wednesday’s win at Juventus in Turin due to suspension. PSG’s injury update also included the name of Fabián Ruiz, who has picked up a minor thigh problem and won’t be back in action until next weekend. Presnel Kimpembe, meanwhile, who also has an Achilles tendon injury, will be back in training next week.
