Barcelona's defensive injury crisis has grown as Jeremy Mathieu suffered a calf injury in Tuesday's Catalan Cup defeat to Espanyol.

Felipe Caicedo struck the only goal of the game as Espanyol defeated a much-changed Barca side, with the French defender limping off at the start of the second half.

The Catalan club released a statement after the game which clarifieid that Mathieu had picked up an injury in his right calf with further tests to take place on Wednesday to evaluate the extent of the damage.

The Blaugrana are already without Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique, while Aleix Vidal has reportedly suffered an adductor injury.

Defender Marlon Santos – on a year-long loan spell from Fluminense – started against Espanyol and impressed during pre-season and may be given a run in the team due to the injuries.

Tags Jeremy Mathieu
La Liga - Club News