Barcelona boss Koeman provides an injury update on Messi

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner will sit out of Barcelona’s last game of 2020 on the advice of club doctors.

Ronald Koeman has revealed Lionel Messi has a minor ankle problem, explaining why the Barcelona skipper hasn’t returned to training or will feature in the club’s La Liga match against Eibar on Tuesday.

Barcelona issued a statement on Sunday confirming the Argentine hadn’t reported back from his four-day Christmas vacation.

Based on the advice of the club’s medical staff, Koeman allowed Messi an extra two days off to recover from his ankle injury. But he expects the forward back for the trip to Huesca on January 3.

🎙 @RonaldKoeman: "Leo #Messi had some discomfort in his ankle, but he will be back after the match against Eibar"

⚽ #BarçaEibar pic.twitter.com/GawjC9jkch

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 28, 2020

“First, he was a bit banged up in his ankle and that’s why he hasn’t trained and why he’s not ready to play tomorrow’s match,” said Koeman said in a pre-match conference on Monday afternoon.

“That’s why we gave him two extra days off on vacation.

“He will be back after the Eibar match. The doctors said a week without training would make him fit for a return after the match.”

Ousmane Dembele, on the other hand, has resumed full training. The French star, who suffered another injury setback at the beginning of December, could be available for the Eibar match. Koeman plans to release his squad list on Tuesday.