5 key players missing through injury this season

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Andre Ayew of West Ham United shakes hands with N'Golo Kante of Chelsea as he leaves the field injured during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — Kante consoles an upset Ayew after he picks up an injury

#1 Lionel Messi – Barcelona

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona reacts injured on the pitch during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium on September 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — Arda Turan replaces his teammate after Messi picks up an injury

Is there any list in the world that Lionel Messi doesn’t top? The Magician from Rosario tops the list of the star players injured this season. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has had a fantastic start to the season after a forgettable summer scoring four goals in the league and netting a hat-trick in his only game in the Champions League. However, in an intense encounter against Atletico Madrid, the Argentine picked up a groin injury ruling him out for up to 4 weeks.

After Messi was substituted against Atletico, Barcelona conceded a goal just within two minutes and had a terrible last 30 minutes. Such is the impact that Leo has on his team. While they did pick up two victories after the game against Atletico, Barcelona went down in dramatic fashion against Celta Vigo yet again losing 4-3.

Although Lionel Messi has reportedly returned to training, he is expected to return to full fitness only around the 20^th of October. Barcelona will, however, hope to have him back for the vital clash against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Edited by Staff Editor