Barcelona star Lionel Messi set for tests on his kidney

Barcelona have confirmed Lionel Messi is to undergo medical tests to assess a recurrence of kidney problems.

Messi missed the Club World Cup semi-final in December due to a renal colic, an abdominal ailment often related to the presence of kidney stones within renal ducts.

Barcelona says in a statement Monday that the tests to be conducted by Tuesday at the latest, are "to assess the evolution of the kidney problem he suffered last December."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The statement says Messi will resume training with the squad on Wednesday, when Barcelona travel to Valencia for the return leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals - a tie they lead 7-0 lead.

He appears unlikely to feature in that game but is expected to be available for this weekend's visit of Celta Vigo.

Messi played 90 minutes for Barcelona in the 2-0 win over Levante on Sunday.

Live La Liga Football