• Primera Liga

Messi to miss Zaragoza clash

Lionel Messi misses the trip to Real Zaragoza, along with Andres Iniesta © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Barca and Madrid kept apart in Champions League semis
  
• News: Beckham's verdict: Messi is better than Ronaldo
  
• Profile: Lionel Messi

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi will not be included in the squad for Sunday's game at Real Zaragoza.

Messi sustained a hamstring injury in the first leg of Barca's Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, and while he did come on as a substitute in the return match - ultimately playing a key role in his side's victory on away goals - he will not be risked against the Primera Division strugglers.

The club said the Argentina international was undergoing further treatment on Saturday as they bid to ensure he is fit for the run-in.

Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Jose Manuel Pinto have also been left out of the squad for Sunday's game.

"Leo Messi, Jose Manuel Pinto, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will all miss this Sunday's away match against Zaragoza.," a club statement read. "The Argentine had treatment from the physio this Saturday.

"The coaches have decided to rest Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba while Sergio Busquets has a groin problem."

Barcelona have been boosted by the news that Adriano is fit to face Zaragoza, with fellow defenders Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol still working on their fitness.

The club added: "The Brazilian international, who was substituted during the second half against PSG, took a full part in training today and forms part of the squad.

"At today's session, held at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training facilities, club captain Carles Puyol - who celebrated his 35th birthday this Saturday - and Javier Mascherano did recovery exercises separately from the main group."

Barcelona currently hold a 13-point advantage at the top of La Liga.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.