Barcelona‘s La Liga title defence has just become even trickier following news that Claudio Bravo has been laid low with a calf injury.
The Chilean keeper has been an influential figure for Barca this season, seeing off competition from Marc-Andre ter Stegen to make 32 starts for Luis Enrique’s side in the top flight.
However, he was replaced in some discomfort in the 88th minute of Barca’s unconvincing 2-0 victory over Real Betis on Saturday, with the Catalan giants later confirming on their official website that the player had a calf problem.
The domestic giants have confirmed that the keeper has damaged his soleus muscle in his right calf, and must be considered a doubt for their run in, as they face Espanyol and Granada.
Barca currently sit atop the Spanish top flight, level on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid, and only one clear of fierce rivals Real Madrid.
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While they were 10 points clear of Los Merengues ahead of the Clasico at the beginning of last month, the Nou Camp heavyweights have their work cut out to retain their title.
The loss of 33-year-old Bravo represents another concerning hurdle for Luis Enrique to overcome as he looks to see Barca over the line.