Iniesta blow hits Barca
Playmaker ruled out of Real showdown
Last Updated: April 26, 2011 8:05pm
-
1
Iniesta: Ruled out of first leg of Champions League date with Real Madrid
Barcelona have suffered an injury blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid with Andres Iniesta ruled out.
The talented Spain international will not be available for the first leg clash at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night because of an injury to his right leg.
The Catalan side are already without Eric Abidal, Adriano, Maxwell and Bojan Krkic, while Carles Puyol and Gabriel Milito have both been struggling for fitness recently.
"Andres Iniesta is definitely out," confirmed Barca coach Pep Guardiola, who is yet to decide on a replacement.
Gifted playmaker Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in Spain's World Cup final success against Holland, is hoping to recover from the muscle problem in time for the return match next week.
"We hope to have him back for the second leg," added Guardiola.
