Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona's defensive issues have gotten worse as right back Dani Alves is expected to miss the next three weeks because of a thigh injury.
The Brazilian pulled a muscle in his thigh in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Real Madrid and had to be replaced in the first half by Martin Montoya.
Barca is already without Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique because of recent injuries, while left back Eric Abidal is still recovering from a liver transplant.
The 29-year-old Alves started six of Barcelona's first seven games in La Liga this season, and he is likely to miss the club's next league match at Deportivo on Oct. 20 as well as a Champions League contest with Celtic three days later.
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