Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu to be out for two-three weeks

Jeremy Mathieu will be out of action for three weeks.

Madrid, Nov 2 (IANS) 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.

An official statement was released on Barcelona’s official website that stated:

“Jérémy Mathieu will miss the next few FC Barcelona games after picking up a soleus injury in his right calf, which will see him side-lined for two or three weeks. After starting last night against Celta, the defender is definitely out of the trips to Ajax and Almeria this week, and this probably means he will not be taking any part in the internationals for France the week after. Barça return to action on November 22 against Sevilla at the Camp Nou, by which time there is a chance that Mathieu will be available for selection again.”

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.