Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcântara will be unavailable for an estimated eight weeks after the Brazilian suffered a knee injury in his side’s 3-2 victory over Sevilla on Saturday.
The 21-year-old, who is the son of former Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho, suffered a medial ligament tear in his right knee, according to the Catalan club.
The Spain international, who replaced Sergio Busquets as a second-half substitute, helped Barca overturn a 2-0 deficit before hurting his knee in a challenge whilst his side were losing 2-1.
Tito Vilanova had already made his three changes, which meant the young player was asked to stay on the pitch injured, which Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta says is a blow, given the player’s impressive form.
He said: “It is a huge misfortune.
“Thiago had returned well and he was a player who gives us lots of options.”
Thiago played a key role in Cesc Fabregas’ equaliser to level the scores for Barcelona, who face a difficult week with a trip to Benfica being followed by Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in La Liga on Sunday.
“It is a very important week because we are playing in the Champions League,” Zubizaretta added. “But the really big weeks, where we want to be, are not until May.”
Thiago Alcântara, who played for Flamengo’s youth side, opted to play for Spain ahead of Brazil but missed Euro 2012 and the London Olympics due to a shin injury.
The young midfielder has represented Spain at all youth levels and has earned three senior caps to date.
