Paris Saint-Germain may reportedly do without the services of Lionel Messi for the remainder of the season.
Despite the option which is present in the forward's contract, it has already been widely reported that the parties will go their separate ways in the summer.
Messi has become less inclined to extend his stay at Parc des Princes, while the PSG hierarchy are now comfortable with removing the superstar's wages off their outgoings.
While it had been expected that the World Cup winner would play a full part in PSG's run-in, where they hope to confirm the Ligue 1 title, a trip to Saudi Arabia has complicated matters.
Although Messi was contractually obliged to make the visit, he was not authorised by PSG, the journey being made in the aftermath of a 3-1 defeat to Lorient at the weekend.
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The squad were called into training, it soon becoming apparent that Messi would not be present, and he was later photographed in the Middle East and posted images on his Instagram account.
As a result, a two-week fine and suspension was handed to the 35-year-old, ruling him out of two games but leaving open the possibility of a return later in the month.
However, according to Le Parisien, there is 'little chance' of Messi being brought back into the squad.
Should that prove to be true, it would see Messi miss the closing triple-header versus Auxerre, Strasbourg and Clermont Foot.
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The Argentina international has played an instrumental part in France's top flight this season, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists from 28 appearances.
PSG currently hold a five-point lead at the top of the standings at a time when speculation persists regarding the destination of Messi's next club.
Despite former club Barcelona remaining as a possibility, the Catalan giants would have to make substantial cutbacks to facilitate such a deal.
A transfer to a club from Saudi Arabia to theoretically go head to head with Cristiano Ronaldo is the most lucrative option, while a switch to MLS side Inter Miami is known to be an alternative should Messi choose to move to the United States.
Darren Plant
