Andrés Iniesta, Spanish midfielder is set for 6-8 weeks lay-off following a horrible challenge from Valencia’s Enzo Perez.
The playmaker was injured in the 14th minute of the first half.
Iniesta who was in tears as he left the pitch on a stretcher was replaced by Ivan Rakitic.
Barcelona said he injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee following tests on his return to Barcelona after the team’s 3-2 away victory at Valencia.
The 32 year old playmaker is one of the most decorated players on the planet, having won the La Liga cup eight times and the Champions League on four occasions.
Perez escaped punishment for the incident — much to the annoyance of Spanish football fans everywhere.
The likeable Iniesta is especially popular among all supporters in his homeland, having scored the late winner in the 2010 World Cup final.
Leo Messi, with his brace, and Luis Suárez with his goal at Mestalla in the team’s epic 3-2 win on Saturday sees the pair go to the top of the scoring charts with seven each.
In what was a fast and frantic game full of major incidents and goals, there were also plenty of stats and facts to pull out of the encounter. Here is a pick of the best.
Barça have not lost in any of their last eleven matchest at Mestalla, with seven draws and four wins.
Neymar made his 150th appearance for the club against Manchester City in midweek and, against Valencia, he played his 100th league game.
Diego Alves is now the goalkeeper who has conceded the most goals at the hands of Leo Messi, with 19. The Argentine has converted three out of the four spot kicks he has taken against the Brazilian penalty-saving master.
Barça made almost treble the number of completed passes than Valencia, with a balance of 560 compared to the home side’s 191. Javier Mascherano made the most with 83.
With his win, Barça became the side with the most league wins at Mestalla (33).
