Barcelona's already hurting defence has taken another injury hit with Dani Alves sidelined for three weeks because of a muscle pull in his left thigh.

The Brazil right back left Sunday's 2-2 draw 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 left foot sprain.

Barcelona is also without midfielder Thiago Alcantara with a damaged ligament, while Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba, Adriano and Alexis Sanchez have all missed games this season due to health problems.