Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates his second goal against Zaragoza during their Spanish first division soccer match at La Romadera stadium in Zaragoza. March 21, 2010. [Xinhua/Reuters]

FC Barcelona on Monday confirmed that striker Leo Messi will be out of action for a period of two weeks with a strained ligament on his right ankle.

The injury happened in the closing moments of Barcelona's 2-1 win away to Atletico Madrid in the Vicente Calderon Stadium. A late challenge from Atletico defender Tomas Ujfalusi saw Messi leave the pitch on a stretcher and the ground on crutches.

Ujfalusi has since apologised publicly for his challenge.

Initial diagnosis spoke of a possible absence of between 20 and 45 days, but following tests carried out in Barcelona this Monday morning, the injury has been discovered to be not as serious as first thought.

Nevertheless Messi will still miss at least four matches, starting with Wednesday's BBVA Primera Liga clash at home to Sporting Gijon and Saturday's trip to face Athletic Club Bilbao.

He will also be unfit for the Champions League tie away to Copenhagen and probably Barcelona's home game against Mallorca, scheduled for Oct. 4.

Meanwhile FC Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid have also suffered an injury setback to midfielder Sergio Canales.

Canales twisted ankle in training during training on Sunday and will also be out of action for a period of between two and three weeks.