Barça without Abidal for Leverkusen return
Friday, March 2, 2012
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Éric Abidal, who has missed just one of FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League games this season, is out of the round of 16 second leg against Bayer 04 Leverkusen with a groin injury.
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FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola will have to reconsider his defensive options for Wednesday's visit of Bayer 04 Leverkusen after full-back Éric Abidal was ruled out with a groin injury.
Abidal, who has made six UEFA Champions League appearances this season, played the whole of France's 2-1 midweek friendly win in Germany but has now been sidelined for ten days. The 32-year-old is certain to miss the second leg of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Leverkusen. The holders lead their Bundesliga opponents 3-1 after the opening instalment.
Midfielder Thiago Alcántara, meanwhile, is doubtful for the Leverkusen game having sustained an injury to his right shin in training with Spain ahead of their 5-0 friendly triumph over Venezuela.