Simon Hopper thinks Barcelona should be taken on in the Champions League outright market – see his full betting preview here.

Lionel Messi is expected to be out of action for up to three weeks after picking up an ankle sprain, the club have confirmed.

The Argentina international was stretchered off in the closing stages of Barcelona’s 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday following a late tackle by Tomas Ujfalusi.

The former Czech Republic international received his second yellow card for the foul and Messi appeared to be in considerable distress as he was taken from the field.

But Barca said in a statement on their official website that the current World Player of the Year had sprained the external ligament in his right ankle but there was no bone damage.

“We are happy with the win but sad about Messi,” said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola moments after the full-time whistle.

“The TV pictures speak for themselves. It is not only Cristiano Ronaldo [of Real Madrid] who needs protecting. The referees should protect all the players.”

Earlier in the game, Messi had opened the scoring for the Catalan giants before assisting Gerard Pique for Barcelona’s second.

The Argentine will undergo further tests on his injury on Monday.

Simon Hopper thinks Barcelona should be taken on in the Champions League outright market – see his full betting preview here.

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