MADRID, Spain, March 15- Barcelona's top scorer Lionel Messi bruised his right knee during a weekend Spanish league match and is in doubt for the club's match at home against Getafe, the league leaders said Monday.
The 23-year-old Argentinian international hobbled off the pitch unaided at the end of his side’s 1-1 draw away to Sevilla on Sunday after he clashed with keeper Javi Varas just before halftime.
"Messi suffered a bad knock on his right knee and his availability for Saturday’s game will depend on his progress during the week," Barcelona said in a statement.
The World Player of the Year is tied on 27 goals as the top scorer in La Liga with Real Madrid’s Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona also said that forward Pedro was in "serious doubt" for the match against Getafe because he is suffering from a sports hernia.
The Catalan side are now just five points behind nearest rivals Real Madrid before the two sides go head-to-head next month at the Bernabeu.
