Christophe Galtier Provides Update on Lionel Messi’s Injury and Absence From Paris Saint Germain’s UCL Game

• Paris Saint-Germain will welcome Benfica to France for their return fixture in the UEFA Champions League
• Lionel Messi has been in incredible form for PSG this season and his absence against Benfica will be felt
• PSG coach Christophe Galtier is hoping that Messi is fit in time for Le Classique against bitter rivals Marseille

Paris Saint-Germain are sweating over the fitness of Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian superstar was withdrawn from PSG’s Champions League game against Benfica last week and hasn’t featured for the side since.

The PSG attacker will also miss the return leg against Benfica in the Champions League today (October 11).

While the injury was downplayed originally, PSG coach Christophe Galtier confirmed that it was worse than first assumed, the Mirror reported.

Lionel Messi bemoans Paris Saint-Germain defeat to Real Madrid in Champions League

Football

"Leo felt a problem in his calf during the first game with Benfica. We all thought he would be able to play in the second leg, but it's not quite there. He's a lot better but still has that feeling that could be problematic in a game."

Galtier added that Messi preferred to sit out, given the importance of the game in question. PSG can all but secure their passage into the knockout rounds with a win over Benfica in France today.

While the focus is on the upcoming Champions League encounter, PSG are also concerned about Messi’s availability for their upcoming Ligue 1 game against Marseille.

PSG and Marseille are bitter rivals and Le Classique, as the game between the two is known, always takes on added importance.

“We're going to see how he progresses during the week. It's very probable that he's available for Marseille," Galtier added.

Los Blancos legend Guti fires back at Lionel Messi after the Argentinian claimed Real Madrid aren't the best

Football

How has Lionel Messi performed so far this season?

Messi has been in incredible form for the French giants this season.

As noted by Transfermarkt, he has played 13 games this season, scoring eight goals and assisting with eight. He also scored a beautiful goal against Benfica in the previous fixture between the two sides.

PSG are still dangerous without Lionel Messi admits Benfica manager ahead of the Champions League reverse fixture

Lionel Messi is set to miss Paris Saint-Germain’s reverse Champions League fixture against Benfica on Tuesday, October 11, although Roger Schmidt admits the Parisians can cope without him.

Messi, who scored a stunning goal in the first leg, picked up a calf injury and will be forced to sit out the return leg as PSG try to consolidate their place at the top of Group H.

Benfica manager, Schmidt has now revealed PSG has enough firepower in the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian superstar Neymar to not be bothered about Messi’s absence, Sports Brief earlier reported.