Barcelona leave injured Bartra behind

FC Barcelona have travelled to Russia for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Group G encounter against FC Spartak Moskva without central defender Marc Bartra, who is suffering from a strained adductor muscle.

The Spanish Under-21 international – who has featured in seven games in all competitions for Barça this season – sustained the injury in his right leg following a team training session prior to their departure to Moscow on Sunday.

After undergoing tests, Bartra is now expected to be out of action for between 15 and 20 days, which also puts his presence in the matchday six meeting with SL Benfica in doubt.

Tito Vilanova's section leaders know they can guarantee their passage through to the knockout phase with a victory against Spartak, while a draw would suffice should Benfica fail to beat Celtic FC in Lisbon.