Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Lionel Messi has reiterated the strength of the brotherhood-like bond between Barcelona players after sending team-mate Neymar a message of support in the build-up to Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Blaugrana are already guaranteed top spot in Group B, and although Neymar is only expected to be missing for a short period, that didn't stop Messi taking to his official Facebook page to send his sentiments:
Rik Sharma of Catalan newspaper Sport confirmed the groin injury Neymar sustained earlier this week was "small," but ruled him out of the Leverkusen clash and means Luis Enrique's ranks have been shortened.
It's suggested either Munir El Haddadi or Sandro Ramirez could fill in for Neymar in their meeting at the BayArena on Wednesday.
According to Sky Sports correspondent Paulo Freitas, the Brazil international is also a doubt for the club's FIFA Club World Cup campaign, where Barca are scheduled to play their first match on December 17:
Neymar's blow came not long after the former Santos attacker became the first-ever Barcelona representative to be named La Liga Player of the Month for November, helping his side assert their lead at the summit.
The 23-year-old's influence in front of goal was particularly important in the absence of Messi, with Neymar scoring seven goals and recording three assists across the five matches in which he featured last month.
Now it's the Argentinian's turn to fill in for the in-form ace while he makes his recovery on the sidelines, and Messi's message suggests he's ready to return the favour.
Camaraderie plays a massive role in the ongoing success of Barca's MSN trio, and it's the third piece to that puzzle, Luis Suarez, who recently told Uruguayan radio station Radio Sport 890 of the close-knit bond they enjoy (h/t Football Espana and via Eurosport): "The relationship is exemplary. Let's assume Messi is the best and Neymar is No 2. We know Leo is above everyone. I enjoy playing with them, the form of the team, it’s a privilege. The good relationship means a lot because no one believes they are superior to anyone."
That lack of a selfish streak among the three undoubtedly funded their thriving form en route to last season's European and domestic treble, a feat that depicted their devastating potential as a group.
Enrique will assuredly be desperate to get his three star forwards back on the pitch together as soon as possible, but Messi is doing all he can to ensure their ties remain strong, even when separated.
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