Mascherano to miss Barça's Celtic test
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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FC Barcelona have suffered a setback ahead of their trip to Celtic FC next Tuesday with defender Javier Mascherano ruled out of the encounter with a strained hamstring.
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FC Barcelona have lost defender Javier Mascherano for next Tuesday's UEFA Champions League trip to Celtic FC after the Argentinian international sustained a right hamstring strain.
Mascherano collided with Sergio Busquets early in Barcelona's 4-1 Liga home victory over Real Sociedad de Fútbol on Tuesday and after initially soldiering on, the 29-year-old was substituted in the 35th minute. Subsequent medical tests revealed that the former Liverpool FC midfielder will be sidelined for up to a fortnight.
The injury is a blow to Barça coach Gerardo Martino, for whom Mascherano has been ever-present this season in central defence. The Blaugrana opened their quest for a fifth European Cup with a 4-0 Group H win at home to AFC Ajax. Next they face a Celtic side who suffered a 2-0 reverse at AC Milan.