Lionel Messi has embarked on a specially designed programme to help him recover from an injury to the back of his left thigh, which will sideline him for between six and eight weeks. On Tuesday afternoon the Argentine squad's official physiotherapist arrived in Barcelona to learn the results of the medical tests and the treatment to be followed to aid his recovery.

The process will take place in two stages: the first in Barcelona and the second in Buenos Aires. Barcelona's head doctor Ricard Pruna and Martino's two aids, Elvio Paolorroso and Juanjo Brau, are expected to accompany Lionel Messi to Argentina in December, in order to assist Luis García with the treatment.

The Barça star's recuperation is already under way. During the first phase, he will rest for the next fortnight and undergo anti-inflammatory treatment to help the muscle tear to heal and blood will be removed from the affected area to further aid his recovery.

Leo issued a statement in which he denied any problems with Juanjo Brau. He insisted any apparent lack of contact is due to the fact that the "club has promoted him" and he no longer features "in day-to-day training." Messi also claimed the Barcelona medical team will be responsible for supervising the entire process.