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pochettino mauricio

Poch shares concerns over Messi's fitness going into international break

The Argentine maestro has been struggling with a knee problem

The French manager is keen for Messi to get some rest

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed concerns over Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of the international break. The Argentine maestro has been struggling with a knee problem in recent weeks and was forced to miss PSG's last two matches. Pochettino is keen for Messi to get some rest during the international break in order to recover fully from his injury. “We are a bit worried about Leo Messi,” Pochettino said at a press conference on Friday. “He has a knee problem and we need to assess him carefully. “We hope that he will be able to recover during the international break and come back to us fit and healthy. “He is a very important player for us and we need him to be at his best.” Messi is expected to be called up to the Argentina squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. However, Pochettino has urged Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to give Messi a rest if he is not fully fit. “I spoke to Lionel Scaloni and I told him that Messi is not fully fit,” Pochettino said. “I hope that he will understand and give him a rest. “It is important for Messi to recover fully from his injury so that he can be at his best for PSG and Argentina.” Messi has been in impressive form for PSG this season, scoring 11 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. However, his injury problems have been a concern for Pochettino and he will be hoping that Messi can get some rest during the international break in order to return to full fitness.