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      Lionel Messi a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Bayern after sitting out training with foot injury

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      LIONEL MESSI is a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich because of a foot injury.
      The Argentinian star, 33, picked up the knock during the 3-1 win over Napoli last week, according to Spanish outlet Cope.

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      Lionel Messi missed Barcelona training on Sunday and could miss the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on FridayCredit: Reuters

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      Messi scored an extraordinary goal as he inspired Barcelona to a 3-1 win over NapoliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Messi was caught by Kalidou Koulibaly during the game, which resulted in a penalty.
      Luis Suarez stepped up to score with Messi receiving treatment on the sidelines.
      The injury forced the superstar winger to sit out Barcelona training on Sunday.
      Messi could now miss Friday night’s quarter-final clash against the Bundesliga champions, who beat Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in their last-16 tie.

      However, the report states Messi’s absence at training was a mere precaution.
      READY FOR BAYERN?
      He may yet miss another session or two, but is expected to be ready for Friday’s clash of the titans.
      The Barcelona ace was instrumental in his side’s last-16 win over Napoli last week.
      Messi scored a stunning goal while lying on the floor after being forced to the ground after a typically scintillating solo run.

      But as well as his on-pitch antics, Messi rallied his troops at half-time, urging them to not be “a***holes”.
      The veteran played as his side were humiliated by Liverpool, throwing away a 3-0 first-leg lead, last season in the Champions League.

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      Messi scored one and won a penalty for another in the Napoli winCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And he was desperate to avoid another slip-up, heard shouting in the Nou Camp tunnel: “We are going to come out strong.
      “We have a two-goal lead, let’s not be a***holes.
      “Now we have to be calmer than ever.”

      Watch as Lionel Messi tells Barcelona team-mates not to be ‘a**holes’ in X-rated half-time team-talk against Napoli More

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      Watch as Lionel Messi tells Barcelona team-mates not to be ‘assholes’ in X-rated half-time team-talk against Napoli

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      LIONEL MESSI has proven that he won’t just leave it to his football to do the talking during Barcelona’s Champions League bid.
      Fascinating footage has emerged of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner issuing his teammates an X-rated half-time team-talk in the 3-1 win over Napoli.

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      Lionel Messi delivered an inspiring half-time team-talk during the Champions League win over Napoli

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      The Argentine ace put in a man of the match performance against the Italian side
      The Argentine superstar inspired Barcelona to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after scoring a stunning individual goal on Saturday.
      Messi also won the penalty from which Luis Suarez duly converted during a stunning first-half blitz against Napoli.
      But Lorenzo Insigne bagged his own spot-kick late in stoppage time to give the away side faint hope of a comeback.
      And in a video circulating on social media, Messi was seemingly desperate to avoid a meltdown akin to Barcelona’s defeats to Roma and Liverpool.

      The 33-year-old could be heard shouting in the Nou Camp tunnel: “We are going to come out strong, we have a two-goal lead, let’s not be assholes.
      “Now we have to be calmer than ever.”
      Barcelona seemingly heeded their captain’s warning as an assured second-half display saw them see out a 4-2 aggregate win over the Serie A outfit.
      Messi and Co will now take on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who thrashed Chelsea 7-1 over two legs, in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

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      Lionel Messi celebrates his wonder goal against NapoliCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Lionel Messi outjumps Napoli defender Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Reuters

      And Barca boss manager Quique Setien insisted there “won’t be a problem” with Messi starting that game despite missing training with a foot injury.
      He told Spanish radio station Cope: ”Messi? He had some pain, but there shouldn’t be a problem.
      “He was fine. We will analyse it, but there won’t be a problem.”

      Furious Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to fist-bump referee after controversial VAR calls in Barcelona win vs Napoli More

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      Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong shows off horror swollen hand after being stung by bee and wearing bandage vs Napoli

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      FRENKIE DE JONG showed off his horror swollen hand in Barcelona training after getting stung by a bee.
      The Barcelona midfielder, 23, was zapped by the insect last week and his left hand flared up massively.

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      Frenkie de Jong’s swollen hand was out for all to see during Barcelona’s recovery session on Sunday
      And the damage was so bad he was forced to wear a bandage for the win over Napoli on Saturday night.
      But pictured in training on Sunday during a recovery session – which Lionel Messi missed due to a swollen ankle – the consequences of the sting were still clear to see with his hand puffed up.
      Watching De Jong’s performance at the Nou Camp, though, the freak injury clearly didn’t stop him bossing the game.
      The Netherlands international dictated throughout, racking up 62 passes at a success rate of 92 per cent.

      He completed one key pass and also thought he had an assist when Lionel Messi tucked home from his pass.
      But after a lengthy review, VAR ruled the goal out because the ball appeared to brush off Messi’s arm.
      De Jong and his Barca team-mates have a rest day today as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in a crunch Champions League quarter-final on Friday.

      This is the 13th season in a row the Nou Camp club have qualified for the last eight in the competition.

      But with rivals and serial-winners Real Madrid already out, they will be determined to take advantage and go all the way for the first time since 2015.
      However, standing in their way are some of the best sides left in the competition with Bayern – led by free-scoring Robert Lewandowski – and then Manchester City or Lyon if they progress to the semis.

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      His girlfriend took to Instagram to show the extent of the damage done to his left handCredit: Instagram / @mikkykiemeney

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      The Dutch midfielder played with a bandage on against Napoli… but still bossed the gameCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Furious Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to fist-bump referee after controversial VAR calls in Barcelona win vs Napoli More

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      Atletico Madrid confirm Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for coronavirus and will not play vs RB Leipzig

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      ATLETICO MADRID have named Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus.
      And the pair will miss the LaLiga side’s Champions League quarter-final with RB Leipzig on Thursday as a result.

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      Atletico have confirmed Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus
      Diego Simeone’s side are set to take on the Germans in Lisbon as they look to reach the semi-finals.
      But their preparations have been thrown into disarray as Croatian Vrsaljko, 28, and Argentine Correa, 25, tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
      An Atletico statement read: “The first team and members of the coaching staff underwent new tests yesterday.
      “The result of which has been negative in all of them, after the appearance of two positive cases in the tests carried out on Saturday.

      “Following the health protocol, tests were also performed on relatives living with the two positive cases, all of which were also negative.
      “The club’s medical services have received authorisation in both cases to reveal their identity and end the speculation.
      “The first team will return to training this afternoon with the absence of Ángel Correa, who remains isolated at his home without presenting symptoms.
      “And Sime Vrsaljko, who was recovering from an injury outside the group, is also asymptomatic and will remain at home.

      “However, his case is considered as resolved by the health authorities as he has generated antibodies several months ago.”

      The Spanish side have been cleared to fly to Portugal tomorrow having had to delay their original flight which was scheduled for tonight.
      Their planned training session this morning was postponed as they awaited the results.
      But after Simeone and the rest of his squad were given the green light, they were able to train this afternoon and will jet off tomorrow morning.
      The news was a huge relief for Uefa who faced the embarrassing prospect of potentially awarding the tie to the German side if Atletico were unable to fulfil the fixture. 
      Uefa announced that President Aleksander Ceferin and his general secretary Theodore Theodoridis will take regular Covid-19 tests to ensure they can hand over the Europa League, Champions League and Women’s Champions League trophies and medals.
      Atletico’s last Champions League game was the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield on March 11.
      That fixture came just 12 days before lockdown was introduced in the UK.
      One scientist said that fixture – along with Cheltenham Festival – led to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK.

      Professor Tim Spector, from King’s College London, said the two events held in March had “caused increased suffering and death that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred”.
      Some 52,000 people crammed into Anfield that night, including 3,000 Atleti fans who had travelled from Madrid.
      By that time in Spain, attendances at sporting events had already been suspended.

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      Messi misses Barcelona training with foot injury just days before Bayern clash and has been limping since Koulibaly kick

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      LIONEL MESSI missed training just days before Barcelona face Bayern Munich as he recovers from a foot injury.
      The Argentine suffered a swollen ankle after Kalidou Koulibaly conceded a penalty during Barca’s Champions League second leg victory.

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      Lionel Messi missed Barcelona training just days before they face Bayern Munich as he recovers from a foot injury
      Messi was unable to take the penalty as he received treatment, allowing Luis Suarez to convert.
      Spanish radio station Cope reported the 33-year-old was then forced to miss training on Sunday and could even sit out today’s session as he continues to limp.
      Despite fears over the forward’s fitness, manager Quique Setien insisted there “won’t be a problem” with Messi starting against Bayern in Friday’s quarter-final.
      Setien said: ”Messi? He had some pain, but there shouldn’t be a problem.

      “He was fine. We will analyse it, but there won’t be a problem.”
      Bayern thrashed Chelsea 7-1 over two ties while Barca saw off Napoli 4-2 on aggregate.
      Setien added: “The game against Bayern will be complicated, but we are also a great team.
      “The team has been good and we deserved the victory.

      “We have overcome the opening minutes and in the second half Napoli didn’t create much danger.
      “The truth is that Napoli are one of the best Italian teams. We knew how to react to their start and then we had a good first half.
      “They have had more prominence during the second half.”

      Furious Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to fist-bump referee after controversial VAR calls in Barcelona win vs Napoli More

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      Watch ex-Man Utd star Herrera score a screamer after incredible Neymar assist ahead of PSG’s clash with Atalanta

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      ANDER HERRERA scored an absolute stunner in Paris Saint-Germain training after being set up in incredible fashion by Neymar.
      And the pair will no doubt be hoping they can replicate the sensational goal when they take on Atalanta this week.

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      Neymar set up the goal with a beautiful piece of skill to flick the ball up and over his headCredit: Instagram anderherrera

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      Ander Herrera ran on to it and smashed in a spectacular strike with his left footCredit: Instagram anderherrera
      As preparations continue for the Ligue 1 giants’ Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, Herrera staked a claim for a starting spot with his beauty of a strike with his so-called weaker left foot.
      Herrera, 30, took to Instagram to share the clip with his 3.8million followers.
      He wrote: “When you realise you are left footed but you are already 30 years old…” followed by head-in-hands and tongue-out emojis.
      Neymar stood over the dead ball in the D, rubbing his hands in excitement.

      But rather than take the shot himself, he produced a sublime piece of skill to flick it up and then back over his head.
      And Herrera latched on to it with perfect timing to unleash an unstoppable drive, giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance.
      The reaction from his team-mates was one of awe and shock as the former Manchester United midfielder ran away in celebration, falling to his knees and hugging Neymar.
      PSG saw off Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 back in March and will go into the one-legged tie with Atalanta as favourites to progress to the semis, even without Kylian Mbappe.

      The French superstar sustained ankle ligament damage in the Coupe de France final against Saint-Etienne.
      But with no Mbappe available for Thomas Tuchel, on this video evidence he could even be tempted to gamble with Herrera up front if he can replicate his finish in training.
      The Spaniard has played just 19 times in his debut season with PSG, missing large chunks of the campaign with thigh and calf injuries, and scored just one goal.

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      Herrera and Neymar celebrate in sheer delight after the wonder strikeCredit: Instagram anderherrera

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      Herrera has played 19 times for PSG this season and scored once since arriving from Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Chelsea player ratings: Emerson guilty in defence as Blues overran by Bayern in Champions League last 16

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      CHELSEA were unable to overturn their 3-0 first leg deficit as they fell to a second leg defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16.
      Blues boss Frank Lampard made five changes from his side’s 2-1 FA Cup final loss to Arsenal last weekend.

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      Frank Lampard saw his Chelsea side thoroughly outclassed by Bayern MunichCredit: REUTERS
      Their task was made all the more difficult after Robert Lewandowski put the home side 1-0 up from the penalty spot ten minutes in.
      Ivan Perisic doubled the German champions’ lead in the 24th minute before Tammy Abraham pulled one back for Chelsea.
      Christopher Tolisso and Lewandowski added two more in the second half as Bayern established themselves as the tournament favourites with a 7-1 aggregate win.
      SunSport’s Dan Brookes has his say on a thoroughly outclassed Chelsea team…

      Willy Caballero – 4/10
      Preferred to Kepa in the Chelsea goal once again but brought down Lewandowski within the first ten minutes.
      Perhaps could have done better on Perisic’s goal and was beaten by more shots on target than he saved.
      Reece James – 5

      Beaten down his right a few times by the overlapping Alphonso Davies and could have got out quicker to close down Lewandowski’s cross for Tolisso.
      Hit the top of the net with a volleyed effort in the second half.

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      Lewandowski opened the scoring for Bayern from the spot
      Andreas Christensen – 4
      Looked shaky in the first half but not many defenders in the world could handle Lewandowski in this kind of form.
      Kurt Zouma – 5
      Probably Chelsea’s best defender on the night in that he wasn’t to blame for any of the goals.
      Emerson Palmieri – 3
      Played Lewandowski on for the penalty, caught out of position for Bayern’s second, caught sleeping for the third and towered over by the Pole for the Germans’ fourth.
      Despite struggling to contain Serge Gnabry for large parts, he was one of Chelsea’s primary attacking weapons, testing Neuer with a shot from the edge of the box and his fizzed cross led to Chelsea’s consolation goal.

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      The Pole rose highest to make it 4-1 and take his Champions League tally to 13 for the season
      N’Golo Kante – 6
      Covered the park as he normally does but could have been better in possession as Bayern overran Chelsea.
      Hit a shot into the stands in the closing stages.
      Mateo Kovacic – 5
      Lost the midfield battle with Thiago and Chelsea missed his usual influence from the middle of the park.
      Ross Barkley – 6
      Trusted alongside Tammy Abraham in leading the Chelsea press but struggled to influence the game in midfield.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi – 5
      Looked lively at times and was unfortunate to have a well taken goal chalked off by VAR in the first half.
      But didn’t do enough on his return to the starting XI.

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      Tammy Abraham had pulled Chelsea back to 2-1 in the first half

      Tammy Abraham – 6
      Was in the right place at the right time for his goal but failed to spark a comeback.
      Kept quiet for most of the match by the Bayern centre-backs and was withdrawn for Giroud late on.
      Mason Mount – 4
      Struggled to affect the game in the first half from the left which prompted a change of position after the break.
      SUBSTITUTES
      Olivier Giroud – N/A
      On for the last ten minutes but offered little.

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