Barcelona confirm Lionel Messi's kidney problems - player to undergo tests and studies on Tuesday

 

FC Barcelona have confirmed in a press release on Monday evening that Lionel Messi will undergo a “series of tests and studies” on Tuesday to evaluate the “kidney stone problems” which he suffered from during December at the Club World Cup in Japan. He missed the semi-final win over Chinese side Guangzhou. 
The statement, in any case, plays down any fears and assures that “the player will return to training with his team-mates on Wednesday”, so it seems evident the problem is a minor one with an easy solution. 
Messi will head to the Dexeus Clinic early on Tuesday morning for the procedure - according to unofficial sources - which should see the elimination of the kidney stones once and for all. It’s probable he’s been struggling with them since December. 
It seems likely his presence in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey game against Valencia will be ruled out, above all because the 7-0 win at Camp Nou in the first leg has already sentenced the tie.