Barcelona Return On Top of La Liga But Suffer Lionel Messi Injury Setback

Lionel Messi will be out for up to eight weeks with knee ligament damage suffered as Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga table with a 2-1 win over Las Palmas on Saturday. (Lionel Messi Out for Eight Weeks)

Luis Suarez struck twice to ensure no more damage was done to Barca's title bid, but the hosts were left hanging on after Jonathan Viera's deflected effort three minutes from time halved the deficit. (Latest Football News)

Real Madrid can move back ahead of the Catalans on top of the table with victory when they host Malaga later on Saturday.

"Firstly, it is always sad when a player gets injured. It is without doubt the worst thing in football for the players," said Barca boss Luis Enrique.

"Obviously, when it is Leo Messi even more so for the weight he carries amongst our group.

"It is logical in football that players will get injured and we have to know how to overcome it. I am sure we will perform at a good level."

Barca had been humiliated 4-1 at Celta Vigo in midweek and hopes of a trouble-free afternoon were ended after just 10 minutes when Messi injured his left knee in a clash with Pedro Bigas.

Messi, 28, was injured as he tried to turn the ball home after taking a wonderful first touch inside the area.

The four-time World Player of the Year briefly returned to the field after receiving treatment, but was clearly unable to run freely before he was replaced by Munir El Haddadi.

"Tests have confirmed that Leo Messi suffered a torn internal collateral knee ligament. The estimated time out will be seven to eight weeks," Barcelona said in a statement

Suarez opened the scoring on 25 minutes as he rose to head home Sergi Roberto's inch-perfect cross from the right to settle Barca's nerves.

However, the visitors had their chances to equalise on their first league visit to the Camp Nou for 13 years as Viera forced Marc-Andre ter Stegen into action with a long range effort before firing over with a clearer sight of goal minutes later.

Barca made sure of a return to winning ways thanks to a wonderful team move seven minutes after the break as Neymar picked out Munir and his cross was left by Sergio Busquets for Suarez to fire into the top corner.

Suarez was involved once more as his trickery forced former Everton defender Antolin Alcaraz into handling inside the area.

The Uruguayan unselfishly gave up the chance of netting a hat-trick to allow Neymar to take responsibility from the spot, but he blasted over.

Barca were then forced to see out a nervous last few minutes as Las Palmas took advantage of an error from Javier Mascherano to pull a goal back as Viera's shot deflected in off Gerard Pique.