Football news - Barcelona lose Arthur to injury, Lionel Messi a doubt for Athletic Club trip

Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo has been ruled out for up to a month with a hamstring injury, handing the La Liga leaders another fitness blow after Lionel Messi missed training on Friday with a thigh problem.

A statement from Barca on Friday said Brazilian Arthur, who played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday, would be out for between three and four weeks.

Arthur, who has quickly adapted to the Barca team since joining from Brazilian side Gremio last year, will miss the Cup semi-final second leg with Real on Feb. 27 and the Champions League last-16 first leg at Olympique Lyonnais on Feb. 19.

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He will also be sidelined for league games against Athletic Bilbao, Real Valladolid and Sevilla and faces a battle to be fit for the league 'Clasico' away to Real Madrid on March 2.

Barca captain Messi, the league's top scorer with 21 goals, is a serious doubt for Sunday's testing trip to Athletic Bilbao after missing Friday's training session with the thigh strain which made him unable to start the Cup game against Real.

Barça Real Madrid Lionel Messi

Image credit: Getty Images

Left back Jordi Alba has already been ruled out of the game at Bilbao due to suspension and Ousmane Dembele has not yet recovered from an ankle injury.

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