Barça learn of Zambrotta absence

Coach Frank Rijkaard will be unable to count on Gianluca Zambrotta for FC Barcelona's next two UEFA Champions League outings after the Italy full-back pulled his thigh muscle in a league victory on Wednesday.

Matuzalem tackle
Zambrotta, 30, was hurt in the 20th minute of the 4-1 Primera División home defeat of Real Zaragoza after colliding with opposing midfielder Matuzalem, who was also injured. Tests today highlighted the extent of the injury and the former Juventus defender is expected to sit out four weeks, ruling him out of Tuesday's Group E trip to VfB Stuttgart and the game at Rangers FC on 23 October.

Italy qualifier
Zambrotta, who helped the Catalan giants beat Olympique Lyonnais 3-0 at Camp Nou on Matchday 1, will also be unavailable for Italy's home UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Georgia on 13 October.