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Barça without Abidal for Leverkusen return

Friday, March 2, 2012

Éric Abidal, who has missed just one of FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League games this season, is out of the round of 16 second leg against Bayer 04 Leverkusen with a groin injury.

Éric Abidal played throughout the first leg against Leverkusen
Éric Abidal played throughout the first leg against Leverkusen ©Getty Images

FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola will have to reconsider his defensive options for Wednesday's visit of Bayer 04 Leverkusen after full-back Éric Abidal was ruled out with a groin injury.

Abidal, who has made six UEFA Champions League appearances this season, played the whole of France's 2-1 midweek friendly win in Germany but has now been sidelined for ten days. The 32-year-old is certain to miss the second leg of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Leverkusen. The holders lead their Bundesliga opponents 3-1 after the opening instalment.

Midfielder Thiago Alcántara, meanwhile, is doubtful for the Leverkusen game having sustained an injury to his right shin in training with Spain ahead of their 5-0 friendly triumph over Venezuela.

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