forward Lionel Messi will be out of action for at least 15 days after picking up an ankle injury in the 2-1 win away to Atletico Madrid.
Coach Pep Guardiola confirmed directly after the game that the Argentine had not broken his ankle in the challenge involving Tomas Ujfalusi but reports in the Spanish press have revealed that hewill miss at least two weeks of competitive action.
The Blaugrana were ahead when the Czech defender received a straight red card - despite already being booked - for the lunge on the Argentina international in the closing stages.
Messi was stretchered off, visibly in a considerable amount of pain, but Guardiola has revealed his star man did not suffer as bad an injury as first feared.
"We are very pleased with the win but sad about the injury to Leo (Messi)," he told reporters at a news conference.
"In principle, a fracture is ruled out which was what was worrying us. Tomorrow we'll do some tests and they'll tell us how he is."
Early indications are that Messi has suffered strained ligaments in his right ankle and as a result may miss the next four games for Barcelona, returning to action in early October just in time for the international break.
Pending confirmation following Monday's tests in Barcelona, he is set to miss Primera Liga fixtures against Sporting Gijon, Athletic Bilbao and Malaga and a UEFA Champions League tie away to Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.
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