By RYAN TOLMICH

Following a lackluster performance, Lionel Messi was the target of critics in the aftermath of Barcelona’s 3-1 loss to rivals Real Madrid. However, it has come to light the the Barcelona forward was playing at less than full health.

Messi reportedly received painkilling injections ahead of Sunday’s clash, which saw the forward uncharacteristically remain quiet and even miss from close range. The treatment came as a result of an ankle strain and left Messi unable to train in the build up to the game.

Despite the injury, Messi is expected to return to action Saturday when Barcelona take on Celta Vigo.

Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Tuesday morning:

BLATTER REITERATES SUPPORT FOR RUSSIA AHEAD OF WORLD CUP

In the wake of reports stating that a group of nations were planning to boycott the event, Sepp Blatter has once again stated his support for Russia’s 2018 World Cup.

The FIFA president spoke out in support of the hosts, who have been threatened with a boycott due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Blatter, who said that Russia and Ukraine would be kept in separate groups should the latter qualify, insisted such protests would be harmful and backed Russia to put together a quality tournament.

“FIFA unconditionally supports the staging of the World Cup by Russia,” Blatter said. “A boycott will never give any positive effect. We trust the country, its government. Russia is the world’s biggest country. You know, Russia is in the eye of the international media. Football can not only unite Russia but show the whole world that it is stronger that any protest movement.”

Blatter went on to compare the upcoming World Cup with the 2014 Sochi Olympics, while also revealing that he is happy with the current progress being made in terms of preparation.

“There was the same situation ahead of Sochi,” Blatter said, “but neither during nor after the games, has there been a single word against these games.

“I can say that in comparison with Brazil, Russia is considerably ahead of schedule with four years remaining before the event’s start.”

MOURINHO BLAMES SPAIN FOR COSTA INJURIES

The club-versus-country dilemma has arisen yet again for Diego Costa.

The striker, who has been battling a virus in recent days, has been hampered by hamstring problems over the past few weeks. However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that Costa’s injury woes have been furthered by Costa’s inclusion in Spain’s roster in recent weeks.

“The virus is fine,” Mourinho said. “It was hard, he had to go to the hospital and obviously it doesn’t help him to recover from his injury. But he didn’t play on Sunday because of the injury, not because of the virus.

“Diego has the hamstring [problem] because he played two matches in three days when he was not with us.”

Mourinho went on to say that he believes Costa will be fit ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Queens Park Rangers

QUICK KICKS

Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni has topped Ryan Giggs’ record for most wins at a single club with 590. (REPORT)

Inter Milan president Erik Thohir has backed manager Walter Materazzi despite a lackluster start to the Serie A campaign. (REPORT)

Following a pair of Champions League losses, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has defended his team’s current form. (REPORT)

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez says that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is the right manager to lead the club in coming seasons. (REPORT)

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What do you expect from Messi this season? What do you think of Blatter’s comments? How should Mourinho handle Costa in the coming weeks?

Share your thoughts below.