Barcelona's injury crisis deepened on Wednesday after tests confirmed first- choice centre back Javier Mascherano will be out of action for up to 15 days after damaging a thigh muscle in Tuesday's 4-1 La Liga win at home to Real Sociedad.
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With left back Jordi Alba sidelined and captain Carles Puyol yet to return from a knee surgery, Mascherano's injury is a fresh blow to coach Gerardo Martino ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Group H match at Celtic.
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The Argentina international sustained the injury in a collision with team mate Sergio Busquets in the second minute at the Nou Camp and eventually had to be replaced by Marc Bartra just after the half hour.
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"A strain in the right thigh muscle was confirmed which will put him out of action for 10-15 days," Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es) on Wednesday.
I trust Barcelona to be able to cope without him. They have lots of replacements for the young man. Injuries are inevitable!