Thiago Alcantara out two months with MCL tear

Barcelona confirmed today that midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss at least two months after tearing the medial ligament in his right knee during their 3-2 win over Sevilla on Saturday. This is the 22-year old's second major setback this year, having already missed both Euro 2012 and the Olympics this summer recovering from a shin injury.

Thiago replaced Sergio Busquets in the second half and suffered the injury on a challenge with the score 2-1 for Sevilla. Barca had already used all three substitutes, so Thiago fought through the injury and remained on the pitch, playing a part in Cesc Fabregas' second goal that tied the match 2-2.

The play led to Sevilla head coach Michel being sent off after he aggressively protested the fact he felt Thiago committed a handball to regain possession at the start of the scoring play.

Tito Vilanova will now have one less weapon available as his team enters a tough week with a trip to Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday and an El Clasico match-up against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Sunday. Barca currently sit eight points clear of Madrid in the league table.

Fortunately for Barca, Andres Iniesta is set to make his return after missing four matches with a muscle injury in his right leg.