MESSI MISSING

Lionel Messi has been one of the best players in the world doubt, and it is not surprising to see even a club like Barcelona being reliant on the Argentine superstar. This has often seen him rushed back from major injuries in the hope of getting results. This has not been a major factor until now. He recently suffered the third injury of the season, which has prompted speculation that Barcelona are not handling him properly. Manager Gerardo Martino has rejected those speculation by saying that Barcelona will give all the time required to get Messi 100% fit.

Barcelona had to take off Messi after just 18 minutes on the clock in the recent win over Real Betis. Even though the team did not need the presence of the 26-year-old in order to complete the 4-1 win, this is a major blow for the club. It is rumoured that he has suffered a hamstring injury, which could keep him out for up to 2 months in the worst-case scenario. Martino has rejected speculation that the latest injury has occurred in the same leg, which caused him problems a month ago. Messi was out for a couple of weeks before being rushed back from the sidelines.

“This injury has nothing to do with his last one. This time he felt discomfort in his right leg. We have the best player in the world, but also four or five others who are among the best. Messi’s absence can never be an excuse,” said the manager regarding Messi’s injury. Barcelona are top of the table after managing at another three points, while their closest rivals Atletico Madrid dropped points in the 1-1 draw with Villarreal. Messi is at a disadvantage compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery in the race for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award this season.

SETTLE DOWN

After sacking Gus Poyet in controversial circumstances last season, Brighton and Hove Albion have begun the season in the worst possible manner with two consecutive defeats. The club managed to make it into the play-offs last season under the stewardship of Gus Poyet. However, he fell out with board at the end of the season and he was ultimately sacked. Oscar Garcia was appointed as the replacement for the Uruguayan manager and he has got to the worst possible start of his Brighton career. The club has suffered two defeats from the opening two matches of the season.

Their first loss of the season came in the Championship against Leeds United. A defeat by Newport County in the League cup has made everyone concerned about the club. Brighton were expected to challenge for a play-off position at the least this season, but such a poor start to the season may spoil the hopes within a few weeks. Captain Gordon Greer, though, has tried to remain positive by saying that it is good that the club has suffered defeats at a very early stage in the season. This would allow them to rectify the mistakes and push on in the remainder of the campaign.

The 32-year-old has also recalled how the club did the same thing last season as well.

“It’s not been great to lose the two games but we can take the positives and the negatives. At this stage of the season we are looking to improve a lot so it is good to sometimes highlight the issues we have got and address them. We did the same last year [losing in the League Cup to Swindon and their opening Championship match to Hull] and had a relatively successful season so hopefully we can do the same again this year,” said Greer.