Saturday, January 24, 2009

Barcelona's Márquez Ruled Out For A Fortnight

Rafael Márquez has been told that he will be out of action for at least two weeks after sustaining a leg injury during the Copa del Rey game against Espanyol on Wednesday.

The Barcelona defender limped out of the goalless quarter final first leg in Montjuïc after just ten minutes and early reports stated that he had received a blow to his left calf muscle.

Further scans the morning after revealed strain and club medics have explained that Márquez will be sidelined for two weeks while he recovers.

Coach Pep Guardiola only has one other player out with an injury, but as that is Gabriel Milito he will have to juggle his defence to cope with the absentees.

Carles Puyol has played at right-back but will now move back into the middle to partner either Gerard Piqué or Martín Cáceres, although the latter is still seen to require more experience.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com