MADRID, April 22 -- FC Barcelona's run of injuries continues with the news that the club has lost the services of left back Adriano Correia until the end of the season with a muscle injury.
Adriano tore a muscle in his groin in the final of the Copa del Rey, which Barcelona 1-0 lost to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The estimated recovery time of four to five weeks means Adriano will not have recovered in time to play again in the BBVA Primera Liga, which concludes on May 22, although he could have a slim chance of being fit should Barcelona qualify for the final of the Champions League, which is played in Wembley on May 28.
In order to reach Wembley, Barcelona have to play Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals and in those games Adriano's place in the side will be taken by Maxwell Scherrer, who is now the club's only available left back as Eric Abidal is still recovering after undergoing an operation to remove a tumor from his liver.
Adriano joins Abidal and striker Bojan Krkic, who has a knee injury, as long term absentees for the Catalan side.
The good news for Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is that central defender and club captain, Carles Puyol has shaken off the effects of the muscle strain he suffered last week in Madrid and will be available for Saturday's league game at home to Osasuna and, hopefully, the two vital European matches against Real Madrid.
体坛英语资讯:Messi voted Best Player of Europe by Uruguayan sports daily
体坛英语资讯:Federer named ITF World Champions for fifth time
体坛英语资讯:Davydenko beats Federer to face Nadal in Qatar Open final
体坛英语资讯:Lakers forward Artest gets concussion
体坛英语资讯:Portsmouth delay players salaries
体坛英语资讯:New Jersey Nets Yi expects to return to practice this week, play against Timberwolves
体坛英语资讯:2010 Xiamen Intl Marathon starts off on seaside scenic course
体坛英语资讯:Yao Mings expected baby stirs fresh Yao fever in China
体坛英语资讯:China ties Syria 0-0 at Asian Cup qualifier
体坛英语资讯:Woods wins American Golf Writers player of year award
体坛英语资讯:Federer, Nadal advance into Qatar Open semis
体坛英语资讯:Henin granted wild-card for Sydney International
体坛英语资讯:Kobe, LeBron lead NBA All-Star voting
体坛英语资讯:Chinas top 10 sports news in 2009
体坛英语资讯:Around 700,000 fans applying for soccer World Cup tickets
体坛英语资讯:Wizards Arenas regrets gun jokes
体坛英语资讯:Woods loses AT&T sponsorship
体坛英语资讯:Chelsea held 1-1 at West Ham
体坛英语资讯:Top 10 world sports news in 2009
体坛英语资讯:Davydenko beats Nadal to win Qatar Open title
体坛英语资讯:Shooting on Togo team wont affect WC: organizers
体坛英语资讯:Phelps helps U.S. set new world record on 4x100m medley
体坛英语资讯:Yao Ming calls for promotion of Shanghai Expo 2010
体坛英语资讯:China secures mens singles title at table tennis seasonal final
体坛英语资讯:Barcelona coach Guardiola expects no new signing
体坛英语资讯:Yao Mings wife pregnant: report
体坛英语资讯:Nadal avenges French Open loss to Soderling at Abu Dhabi
体坛英语资讯:Bulgaria investigates 261 football players for hidden income
体坛英语资讯:Man. United, Arsenal win to keep chase upon Chelsea
体坛英语资讯:Mancinis Manchester City grab second straight win