Mathieu injury setback for Barcelona

Spanish football club FC Barcelona will be without the services of French defender Jeremy Mathieu for around three weeks, the club confirmed Sunday.

Mathieu injured his right calf muscle during Saturday night's shock 0-1 home defeat to Celta Vigo in Camp Nou, although he played all 90 minutes alongside Javier Mascherano in the heart of the Barcelona defence, reports Xinhua.

The injury means he will miss the midweek trip to play Ajax of Amsterdam in the Champions League as well as next weekend's La Liga away game to Almeria while his presence is also in doubt for the home match against Sevilla after the forthcoming international break.

The loss of Mathieu means Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will have to once again turn to Gerard Pique, who watched Saturday's defeat from the stands, or Marc Bartra, who has once again had only limited opportunities, while the club awaits for recent signing Thomas Vermaelen to finally reach match-fitness and make his debut.