Messi to undergo non-invasive surgery on Tuesday

Catalunya Radio reported this evening that Leo Messi was unable to train on Monday after renal residues were detected in the player's kidneys which forced medical staff to perform a series of tests. Shortly afterwards, Mundo Deportivo confirmed that the Argentine will undergo lithotripsy shock wave treatment on Tuesday at Barcelona's Dexeus Clinic break up kidney stones. It is a non-invasive treatment and while Messi would have been rested for Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final return against Valencia in any case, he will be able to return to the team for Sunday's visit from Celta de Vigo. Reports claim that it is a minor problem and the player is not in any pain. Barcelona had already announced that Messi had been granted two days' leave for personal motives. The club issued a medical update just before 8pm this evening, explaining that Messi would undergo "diverse studies" to evaluate "the renal problems he has been suffering since December but will return to team duties on Wednesday.