Barcelona suffers blow with Griezmann injury

Barcelona have been dealt a huge blow with Antoine Griezmann all but convinced to miss the end of the season due to a thigh injury.

The Nou Camp club confirmed the French forward, 29, has damaged muscles in the quadriceps of his right leg.

Griezmann was replaced at half-time of Barca's 1-0 victory at Real Valladolid yesterday.

It means the World Cup winner, who joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid for £108million last summer, is likely to miss the climax of the thrilling La Liga title race.

Quique Setien's side currently sit one point behind league leaders Real Madrid - who have a game in hand.

Griezmann has scored just nine goals in 35 league appearances during a difficult first season with Lionel Messi and Co.

A statement on Barcelona's website read: "Tests this morning have shown that first-team player Antoine Griezmann has a muscle injury in the quadriceps of his right leg.

"He is therefore not available for selection at the present time and the evolution of the injury will condition his availability."

Griezmann was dropped to the bench for the 2-2 draws versus Celta Vigo and Atleti last month.

But he made a goalscoring return in the 4-1 victory over Villarreal last Sunday.

Barcelona are rumoured to be one of the clubs hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

They will look to offload players this summer to free up funds.

But reports have claimed that seven players will be exempt from any moves.

Messi is one and Griezmann is another - despite the latter being linked with both Manchester clubs and reportedly being "keen" on United in particular.

Reports had claimed that Griezmann was fearing for his future after his mega-money transfer.

But according to ESPN, the club organized a meeting with Griezmann's sister and agent, Maud, to calm any worries about his future.