Barcelona, Aug 6 (IANS): FC Barcelona have suffered a setback in their pre-season preparations with the news that left back Jordi Alba will be out of action for two weeks and will miss the finals of the Spanish and the European Supercups.
The Spain international had to leave the pitch in the second half of Barcelona's traditional Joan Gamper pre-season friendly, which saw them defeat AS Roma 3-0 and coach Luis Enrique confirmed he had suffered a thigh problem, reports Xinhua.
Alba will now have to rest and although he should be fit when Barcelona start their La Liga campaign he will miss the final of the European Supercup next Tuesday, which sees them take on their fellow Spaniards, Sevilla, who won last season's Europa League in Tiflis.
Alba is also doubtful for the two-legs of the Spanish Supercup when Barcelona face Athletic Club Bilbao, who they defeated 3-1 in the final of the Copa del Rey last May.
Barcelona will face Athletic again when they kick off the La Liga title defence in the San Mames Stadium on August 23, but then it is doubtful that Spain international Pedro Rodriguez will still be a Barcelona player as the forward continues to close in on a move to Manchester United, which could be completed in the coming days.