Barcelona talismanic forward Lionel Messi will undergo a minor kidney surgery on Tuesday, after series of tests relating to renal problems he suffered in December.
The 28-year-old will join the first team on next week Wednesday, after a week of recuperation.
That means he will miss the Azulgranas’ Spanish Copa Del Rey game against fumbling, Gary Neville-tutored Valencia.
However, he was initially expected to be available for the La Liga game against seventh-place Celta Vigo at the weekend.
Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga table, three points above second-place Atletico Madrid, with a game in hand.