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Barcelona lose Alves for Celtic encounter

FC Barcelona's defensive problems continue to mount with Dani Alves picking up a hamstring injury against Real Madrid CF that will keep him out when Celtic FC visit on 23 October.

Dani Alves will be out of action for three weeks with a hamstring injury
Dani Alves will be out of action for three weeks with a hamstring injury ©Getty Images

FC Barcelona will be without full-back Dani Alves for their UEFA Champions League Group G encounter at home to Celtic FC on 23 October after the Brazilian sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday's 2-2 Liga draw against Real Madrid CF.

Alves was substituted by Martín Montoya after suffering the problem in his left leg in the 28th minute of Sunday's El Clásico encounter. Following a subsequent assessment by club medics, the Brazilian was ruled out of action for three weeks.

The news represents a further defensive blow to the Blaugrana who recently lost captain Carles Puyol to a long-term elbow injury and who continue to monitor Gerard Piqué who is recovering from an ankle complaint. Centre-back Marc Muniesa was left out of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League squad altogether after tearing knee ligaments in a pre-season friendly.

Thus far unbeaten in Liga, Barça have also enjoyed a bright start to their European campaign with two wins for two games against FC Spartak Moskva and SL Benfica.