Double injury blow for Barca
Deco and Juliano Belletti both picked up injuries in Barcelona's win over Osasuna.
Barcelona's victory over Osasuna at the weekend came at a cost with the news that both Deco and Juliano Belletti picked up injuries.The Catalans got back to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 home triumph thanks largely to a double from Samuel Eto'o.
However, Belletti and Deco were forced off in the first period and the duo both now face extended spells on the sidelines.
Belletti has the more serious problem of the two and is expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks after rupturing his right thigh muscle.
Deco also picked up a thigh problem, but the small tear he sustained in his left leg should only see him in the treatment room for three weeks.
The pair will miss Barca's forthcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Panathinaikos, as well as league games against Real Sociedad, Getafe and Malaga.
Boss Frank Rijkaard admitted news of the injuries was a blow, but insisted they could have arrived at a more inopportune moment.
"Injuries are never welcome, but I prefer to have this situation now than at a more advanced stage of the season," he stated.
