La liga giant have revealed that Lionel Messi is nursing a thigh injury, but have sought to calm any fears that he could be sidelined for a prolonged period of time.

Speculation regarding the 32 year old’s fitness first surfaced when he became a notable absentee from training sessions.

It was suggested that Lionel Messi was merely working away from the cameras in individual gym sessions.

The club have however come out to confirm that Argentine player is out injured.

The Spanish champions are confident that their captain will soon return to full training with the rest of the team.

Barca said in a statement released on the club’s official website:

“Quique Setien and his team were back out on the training ground this Friday after taking the previous day off.

“Barca captain Lionel Messi has a minor right quadriceps injury and trained in isolation.

He is doing specific exercises to avoid unnecessary risks with just eight days remaining before Barca finally get back to playing matches.

He should be able to rejoin his team-mates in a few days’ time.

“All of the available players were at the Ciutat Esportiva, where they were joined by Jorge Cuenca and Kike Saverio.

As well as the other B team players who have been working out with the first team over the last few days.

The likes of Inaki Pena, R. Araujo, Chumi, Monchu, Riqui Puig, Collado and Ansu Fati.

Others like Lionel Messi, worked out individually this morning.

“For tomorrow’s Saturday session the players will train again, but unusually, this session is going to be on the pitch in the Camp Nou.

Setien works to get his players ready for the return to football, but with games being played behind closed doors.”

Barca currently sit top of the Liga table with two points before the break since March 7.