BARCELONA, Spain – Barcelona's already hurting defense has taken another hit with Dani Alves sidelined for three weeks because of a pulled muscle in his left thigh.
The Brazil right back left Sunday's 2-2 tie against Real Madrid in the first half and was replaced by Martin Montoya.
Barcelona was already missing Carles Puyol, out until December with a dislocated elbow, while Eric Abidal is still recovering from a liver transplant.
Defender Gerard Pique is expected to return soon from a sprained left foot.
Barcelona is also without midfielder Thiago Alcantara because of a damaged ligament, while Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba, Adriano and Alexis Sanchez have all missed games this season due to health problems.
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