Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is a doubt for Saturday's La Liga match against city rivals Espanyol after he injured an ankle in the Catalans' 2-1 Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday.

The Argentina international, whose superb freekick sealed Barca's victory, suffered a hefty challenge from Leandro Almeida late in the match which damaged his right ankle, the club said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.com).

The Spanish and European champions topped Champions League Group F thanks to the win in Kiev and head the La Liga standings with 36 points from 14 matches, five ahead of Real Madrid in second who have played one game fewer.