Marc Bartra has been ruled out of Barcelona`s visit to Granada on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury as his side went out of the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Barcelona: Marc Bartra has been ruled out of Barcelona`s visit to Granada on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury as his side went out of the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old`s absence leaves coach Gerardo Martino with precious few options in central defence with Gerard Pique also out due to a hip injury, whilst club captain Carles Puyol continues to be sidelined by knee problems.
Brazilian full-back Adriano or midfielder Alex Song are therefore likely to be forced into an auxiliary role alongside Javier Mascherano.
"Bartra finished the game at the Calderon with problems. He did some gym work, but we decided given he wasn`t right to leave him out and he won`t travel with the team," said Martino.
"I believe in the alternatives that we have. We will see what we decide, but it is still not clear at the moment."
Barca will have to bounce back quickly from their demoralising European exit which ended their run of six consecutive semi-finals in the Champions League.
Martino`s men also trail Atletico in La Liga by a point with just six games remaining, but Barca still have matters in their own hands as they face Los Rojiblancos for the sixth time this season on the final day of the campaign.
And the Argentine insisted his side didn`t have time to feel sorry for themselves if they are to retain their title.
"If there is something that this team has demonstrated it is they know what they are playing for. However, we have to understand that our opponents are also playing for their survival.
"It is impossible for the team to fully recover so quickly after being eliminated. No one is full of confidence, but there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We need to think immediately about La Liga."
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