Football
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Barcelona's Lionel Messi to miss Clasico through injury - source

Barcelona will still be without injured Lionel Messi for the Nov. 21 Clasico against Real Madrid, a source told ESPN Deportes.

Therapy on the Argentina captain's injured left knee has not progressed quickly enough for him to be considered for the Clasico, a club source told ESPN, adding that short of a miracle the club was not expecting his return until the first week of December.

On Monday, Spanish daily Sport also reported that Messi's recovery was behind schedule and that he would miss the match against Real Madrid.

Last week, both Sport and Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo reported that Messi's recovery was one week behind schedule and that he had completely ruled out representing Argentina for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil on Nov. 13 and Colombia four days later.

The reports said that Messi was having pain during attempts to run and was worried about the knee's condition. 

He is currently under supervision of two trainers from the Argentin national team -- physical therapist Luis Garcia and massage therapist Marcelo D'Andrea -- in addition to his club's own medical team.

The pair had earlier advised Argentina coach Tata Martino against hoping for Messi's presence for the upcoming international break and raised the initial warning that he might not be available in time for the match at the Bernabeu.

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