Messi to undergo tests for kidney problems

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Lionel Messi of Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Ciutat de Valencia on February 07, 2016 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

BARCELONA

Spain - Barcelona says Lionel Messi is to undergo medical tests to assess a recurrence of kidney problems.

Messi missed the Club World Cup semifinal in December due to a renal colic, an abdominal ailment often related to the presence of kidney stones within renal ducts.

Barcelona says in a statement Monday that the tests to be conducted by Tuesday at the latest, are ''to assess the evolution of the kidney problem he suffered last December.''

The statement says Messi will resume training with the squad on Wednesday, when Barcelona travels to Valencia for the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals in which it carries a 7-0 lead.