Lionel Messi in question for Wednesday’s match between PSG and Nice clashed with stomach flu symptoms

Paris Saint-Germain has announced that seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is suffering”symptoms of gastroenteritis“and could not train on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s Ligue 1 clash with OGC Nice at Parc des Princes.

The Argentinian legend, along with compatriot Leandro Paredes, suffers from the same problem while Neymar remains sidelined with ankle ligament damage in their 3-1 away win over AS Saint-Etienne last weekend.

“Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes did not attend training today due to symptoms of gastroenteritis,” read PSG’s medical update on Tuesday. “An update will be out tomorrow morning.

“Neymar Jr is suffering from a sprained left ankle with ligament damage. Expected playing time of 6 to 8 weeks. A new update will be made in 48 hours to clarify the issue. his development.”

“I’m sad for him because he’s a football lover above all else,” said Pochettino at a press conference about Neymar’s latest injury. “We are not trying to replace Neymar, but to find solutions to have the best tactical balance.

“I think the principles of the team and of the game will be there. We will continue to develop what we want from the start of the year beyond the players that are on the pitch. We have the ability to adapt and compensate for the absence of Neymar.”

Mauro Icardi will return to pre-match training while Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to return on Thursday with Ander Herrera due before the weekend with Julian Draxler there is still two or three weeks left to recover.

In Messi’s latest Ballon d’Or win, Pochettino expressed his delight for his fellow Argentine at becoming the first PSG player to receive the award.

“First, I want to publicly congratulate Leo and his family,” said the former Tottenham Hotspur manager. “Winning seven Ballon d’Ors is an incredible achievement. I hope he takes the chance and it’s the first day of work to win eighth place.

“For all the players, having him with six and now seven Ballon d’Ors is something extraordinary and we’re delighted to have him here every day. We hope at the end of the year. There will be collective titles in addition to individual titles.

“Messi absolutely deserves it and there’s no doubt about it. Of course, in other countries there can also be criticism. Even so, he totally deserves it.”

PSG welcomed Nice to the French capital on Wednesday night and you can find our Ligue 1 match guide right here.