The Argentinean forward sustained a left thigh injury during Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Valencia in the Primera Liga

It has been confirmed that he will be out of action for up to five weeks. Rijkaard is unhappy to lose such an influential player.

"It is bad news. It is a shame for the player and for the team. Let’s hope he gets fit again quickly," the Dutch tacticain was quoted as saying by Barca website.

Barcelona's Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure is calling on his teammates to make up for Messi's absence.

"The injury has come at what he considers a bad time and now Barca have to play and act like a team in order to win," he said.

The Catalan giants are one point adrift of their arch-rivals Real at the league's summit. Los Merengues can go four points clear if they beat Osasuna on Sunday.