Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been snapped wearing a sling for the first time after suffering a broken arm – and he doesn’t seem too bothered.
The 31-year-old has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash against Real Madrid, with the Argentinian international expected to miss three weeks of action.
Messi lasted just 23 minutes of the 4-2 win against Sevilla after he fractured a bone in his right arm.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner registered a goal and an assist before being withdrawn, with his injury a huge blow for the Catalan giants.
A statement from the club said: “Tests carried out on the first team player Leo Messi have confirmed that he has a fracture of the radial bone in his right arm.
“He will be out for approximately three weeks.”
Messi has been in scintillating form for Barca this season – banging in 12 goals in as many games – including five goals in just two Champions League appearances.
He will likely be replaced by French winger Ousmane Dembele in the starting XI, as he looks to stake his place as a first-team regular.
Sunday’s El Clasico will be the first meeting between the two Spanish side’s without Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi featuring.
Barcelona currently sit top of La Liga – four points ahead of Real who are languishing in seventh spot.