Lionel Messi to ‘undergo tests on kidney problems’ but is set to make Barcelona trip to Valencia

Lionel Messi missed Barcelona's Club World Cup campaign due to kidney issues and will undergo tests to evaluate the current problem. Manuel Queimadelos Alonso / Getty Images

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi is expected to play in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia despite missing training on Monday to have tests on his kidneys, the club said.

“Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will undergo several tests on Monday and Tuesday to assess the evolution of the kidney problems he suffered last December,” Barcelona said in a statement on their website.

“Messi will return to his normal duties with the first team on Wednesday.”

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The Argentina international missed his team’s Fifa Club World Cup semi-final in December as he was suffering from renal colic, a type of abdominal pain often caused by kidney stones.

Despite the problem, he played in the final three days later and has also played in all of Barca’s league games since.

Barcelona visit Valencia in the second leg of the semi-final on Wednesday. The Primera Liga leaders take a 7-0 lead into the match.

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