Pochettino's decision to substitute Messi has been further vindicated
Mauricio Pochettino's decision to sub off Lionel Messi the other night caused quite a stir.
Finally making his home debut for Paris Saint-Germain in their game with Lyon, Messi hadn't hit the kind of heights we've come to expect of him and, with the score 1-1, he was replaced with 15 minutes to go.
Mauro Icardi went on to get a late winner for PSG, but Messi's withdrawal - and apparent snub of Pochettino as he made his way to the bench - generated most of the headlines after full-time.
Now, though, it seems Pochettino's decison to to call the former Barcelona man back to the bench was even more justified.
A statement from PSG has confirmed that Messi has picked up a knee injury which will rule him out of the midweek Ligue 1 fixture with Metz.
Messi is said to have undergone an MRI scan on his left knee earlier in the week which showed signs of bone contusion. The club is expected to provide a further update in the next 48 hours, with PSG's mouthwatering Champions League clash with Manchester City just a week away.
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1440279974552825876
PSG are also due to play again at the weekend when they host Montpellier. Messi, it would appear, will be a doubt to start that game.
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