Mascherano sidelined for six weeks

[Flavia]

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football...p-ligament-injury-out-of-action-for-six-weeks

The Argentine player tore the MCL in his right knee in tonight's match against PSG

Mascherano joins Adriano Correia and Carles Puyol on FC Barcelona's growing injury list

Barça’s defence is in trouble. After this Tuesday’s match against PSG, Javier Mascherano joined Carles Puyol and Adriano Correia on FC Barcelona’s injury list. The Argentine will be out of action for six weeks.

According to the Club’s Medical Services, Mascherano tore the MCL of his right knee. The player picked up the injury in the second half, when he collided with Jordi Alba, who fell on top of the Argentine’s leg. If Mascherano makes a timely recovery, he’ll be back in action before the season comes to a close.

Despite the injury, the defender would have missed the return leg of the Champions League quarter final anyway, as he’s suspended. Mascherano continued playing for a couple of minutes after the knock with Alba, but he requested the substitution on 84 minutes; Marc Bartra came on in his stead.

Puzzling problem for Vilanova

The confirmed absences of Mascherano, Puyol and Adriano will force Tito Vilanova to use some of his least utilised players on April 10th against PSG. Men like Marc Bartra or Alex Song, who played as a centre back at the start of the season, might get the nod against the Parisians. Another option open to Vilanova is to use Sergio Busquets or Éric Abidal at the back.

 

[BarcaGirl]

terrible News

 

[Galning]

We're in big trouble at the back. But at least now we have an excuse when we concede

 

[Mr Hulot]

Really sad for him
I am probably one of the few people on this forum that realy like him. He is an overachiever and he plays with admirable passion..

 

[impeh]

i really like him too, think i read on twitter thats his first injury since joining? I guess these injuries at the back will convince the staff/Tito that a CB is a must.

 

[King Leo]

dude I love Mascherano! are you kidding me. This is all because they went cheap (saving for Neymar) and didn't get Thiago Silva. We are in serious trouble now, Mascherano goes out and minutes later we concede a goal... can't get worse. Not optimistic about the 2nd leg if Messi is out.

 

[JonM]

Bad news. At this rate, we'll barely escape with La Liga.

On the other hand, it's the opportunity Bartra has been waiting for. It's his time to shine.

 

[messid10s]

I wonder if Abidal would be ready to play in the semis.

 

[darthvader7888]

Any chance Puyol could be back for the semis?

 

[Cruijffista]

It's definitely time for Bartra to step up. It's now or never for him. This is his chance to prove himself.

Maybe Tito could implement a double-pivot in front of the back 4 with Busquets and Song, that would definitely make the squad better defensively. Would slow the game down too but most of our players play in a similar system with La Roja anyways. I think it could work.

 

[Jelboo]

Fucking hell. We are looking reaaaaally bad at the back with all these injuries. This does not bode well for the coming weeks, especially in the CL.

 

[Chainsaw]

The blame only goes for the stubborn management who had an entire summer to get a reliable CB but instead went and buy another unnecessary DM. Now it's not only stubbornness but also stupidity for acting like that regarding the transfers. Not much surprising though as we've seen how much money was wasted for useless purchases in many years. The club really need to adjust the way they act in the market. So many consecutive years and the same unnecessary purchases while the needed positions still lacking quality options to rely on.

 

[Galning]

Any chance Puyol could be back for the semis?

No.

 

[Barcaman]

Hopefully Adriano returns just in time for the home match vs. PSG.

 

[Daemul]

Bartra , nows your time!