Madrid, March 22 (IANS) Barcelona’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has sustained a calf injury that might prevent him from featuring in the upcoming La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid next April 2, Spanish soccer newspaper Marca revealed on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Rakitic will not play with his national side during the friendlies against Israel and Hungary, reports Efe.
The 28-year-old underwent medical tests that confirmed his injury incurred during Sunday’s La Liga 2-2 draw against Villarreal.
According to Marca, the Croatian could be out for up to 10 days.
Barcelona are currently preparing for the final stretch of the season, in which winning El Clasico would almost guarantee winning La Liga.
Three days later, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Camp Nou stadium.