2018 El Clasico to miss both Leo Messi and CR7
What's the story
Lionel Messi suffered a serious injury in Barcelona's 4-2 win over Sevilla at the Camp Nou in a crucial league encounter, that saw the side go top of the table. Messi suffered a broken arm and was seen writhing in agony after colliding with Franco Vazquez. Now he is expected to miss three weeks of action, including the El Clasico encounter. Here's more.
Messi
Messi has been in top gear this season
Barcelona face a resolute Inter Milan in the Champions League this week, besides locking horns with Real Madrid in El Clasico next week. Messi has been in supreme form. He has managed 12 goals in 12 matches to show his dominance. He scored one goal against Sevilla on Saturday before suffering the arm injury. He had also set up Philippe Coutinho with an assist.
Barca
Barca win overshadowed by Messi injury
Barca came into the tie after being winless in four league games. There was intense pressure to achieve a result and despite getting the same, the win was overshadowed by Messi's injury. Barca have two key matches in the next couple of weeks and not having Messi in the side will add pressure. It would be interesting to see how Ernesto counters Messi's absence.
El Clasico
Fans will miss CR7 and the Little Magician
El Clasico takes place on Sunday but there is already an unfamiliar feel to it. Barca and Real will be without two legendary players that have defined football in the last decade. As Ronaldo left for Juventus in the summer, Messi now will miss the same owing to injury. Since December 2007, not even a single El Clasico has been without both of them.
Tales
Real in a poor space, Messi-less Barca haunts Camp Nou
Real are suffering their worst La Liga's start and are winless in five successive matches across all competitions. They lost against Levante at home yesterday and sit at fifth spot in the table. El Clasico has altogether a different feel this time. With Los Blancos struggling and now Messi being out, the extra zeal is missing. One hopes the play doesn't suffer.