Lionel Messi: Barcelona forward avoids hamstring injury

Image source, EPA

Image caption, Lionel Messi was replaced by Arda Turan at half-time in Sunday's La Liga victory over Athletic Bilbao

Lionel Messi only picked up a knock in Sunday's 6-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, his club Barcelona have said.

The 28-year-old Argentine, who missed two months this season with a knee injury, was replaced at half-time as a precaution, having scored the opener.

"Medical tests on striker Lionel Messi this Monday morning have revealed great news,"

"It turns out that the Argentine has not got a hamstring injury and has just taken a bit of a knock."

Barca say it is uncertain whether Messi will play on Wednesday, when they play Athletic again - this time in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.