Why Messi’s Injury is Actually a Blessing in Disguise For Barcelona

Lionel Messi’s injury might actually be a blessing to the Barcelona team that has literally depended so much on the Argentine for the past decade.

Messi fractured the radial bone in his right arm after falling awkwardly in the 4-2 victory against Sevilla and is set to be sidelined for close to three weeks.

The Argentinian has been such a phenomenon at the Nou Camp through the years, breaking an assortment of records, the worry is that sitting out a few crucial games could significantly impact Barca’s progress this season.

The Catalan giants, currently sitting at the top of LaLiga, have pointed out that previous instances of Messi being injured, suspended or rested have not led to a slump in team form.

Indeed, in the 61 games in all competitions Messi has missed since the 2010-11 season, Barcelona have won 49 times, with six draws and as many defeats.

Barcelona’s total win percentage in the Champions League with Messi in their ranks stands at 60 per cent, with 78 victories in 131 matches, as well as 33 draws and 20 losses.

Messi’s absence will also enable the young catalan players to get a chance to shine this season.

On Monday, Marca listed six options in a “casting for replacements” – Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha, Munir El Haddadi, Malcom, Carles Alena and Sergi Roberto.

Alena, the 20-year-old midfielder, is an exciting talent, while Malcom, only a year older, scored 12 goals for Bordeaux last season.

But Dembele is the most obvious. Messi’s position on the right of the front three is where he is most comfortable, rather than off the left, where the 21-year-old has often been made to adapt so far.

After a debut season blighted by injuries, Dembele started the first six games of this one, scoring five goals.

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