Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has said he is all but recovered after contracting COVID-19 in Argentina over the winter break, and is tipped to be back in action with plenty of time to spare before the UEFA Champions League last 16 clash with Real Madrid.
One of four Paris Saint-Germain players to contract COVID-19 over the winter break - along with Julian Draxler, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Angel Di Maria - Lionel Messi has said on social media that he is steps away from a return to action.
'Looking forward to getting back on the field'
The Argentine missed two matches due to his illness - the win over Vannes in the Coupe de France round of 32 and the 1-1 Ligue 1 Uber Eats Round 20 draw away to Lyon - and explained that his recovery from the virus that continues to rock the world has taken longer than expected.
"Good afternoon! As you know I had COVID and I wanted to thank you for all the messages I received and tell you that it took me longer than I thought to get well but I'm almost recovered and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field," said the diminutive playmaker in the caption on his Instagram post, which sees him relaxing and taking jerba mate with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo. "I've been training these days to get to 100%, there are some great challenges coming this year and hopefully very soon we can see each other again. Thank you!"
Out for Brest
Messi has been training on his own at Paris Saint-Germain's Ooredoo Training Center since returning to France on 5 January but is nonetheless expected to miss the Ligue 1 Uber Eats Round 21 clash at home to season revelations Brest on Saturday night as he works towards full fitness. He is, however, expected to be back in action with a few games under his belt before the crunch Champions League last 16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes on 15 February.
Paris Saint-Germain sit atop the Ligue 1 Uber Eats standings, 11 points clear of second-placed Nice and third-placed Marseille heading into the weekend's Round 21 action.