Cesc Fabregas wants Lionel Messi rest

Cesc Fabregas believes that his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi should take an extended rest to fully recover from his recent thigh injury.

Messi has been troubled by a thigh problem in the early part of the season and was again forced off in Barca's 4-1 win over Real Betis at the weekend.

"He has to stop to take the time it takes and he needs that explosiveness in order to stand out," Fabregas told reporters at a press conference.

"Something similar happened to me and I was very frustrated. You believe you are okay, but you are not. I was angry to miss some games, but I knew I was at Barcelona and I could continue to grow.

"I had that injury, I had a nightmare and even for a year-and-a-half was not good. He has to stop as it takes time, because if not, it will not heal well."

Fabregas netted twice in Sunday's win in Seville.