Playing on a slippery pitch in atrocious condition, risk of an injury-causing clash of bodies is certain to happen, and it did last night for FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique against Tenerife. Having had to make a lunge in an attempt to block Alfaro from taking a shot on goal in the 14th minute, the Catalan player took a knock to his right knee and was visibly in discomfort throughout the rest of the first half.

Not wanting the aggravate the possible injury, coach Pep Guardiola substituted him with Pedro Rodriguez at the start of the second half – reshuffling his team’s make-up, with Toure taking up defensive responsibility with Messi dropping into midfield.

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UPDATE

However, medical reports suggested Pique only suffered a bruised knee.

Both Catalan sports papers have today reported that an ultrasound done on the affected knee revealed a hematoma in the rectus femoris of his right thigh.

Pique missed today’s group training session and is now doubtful for the match against Sevilla this Sunday.

[N.B. A hematoma refers to an abnormal collection of blood in the body that is typically the result of a broken or ruptured blood vessel. Hematomas can cause a minor skin bruise, or a collection of clotted blood that is deep within a muscle, organ or even the skull. Also known as a contusion or bruise, mild hematomas and contusions typically heal within about five days.

The rectus femoris muscle is one of quadriceps muscles. It goes from the hip to the knee and can be used to straighten the knee or lift the knee up. This muscle can rupture or become inflamed.]

Meanwhile, midfielder Andres Iniesta confirmed he is well on his way to full recovery – good news for Spain’s coach Vincente del Bosque more than for Pep Guardiola.

“This morning I went for an examination and the healing is progressing well. I hope to be back playing with the team as soon as possible,” the player’s facebook page states, optimistic that he can at least make the final match against Valladolid.

On another note, Barca Atletic’s defender Andreu Fontas, who the first team coach has called on quite a few times, injured himself in training with the reserve squad and was operated on at the Barcelona City Hospital. The 20-year-old is expected to be sidelined for three months, ruling him out of Atletic’s playoff for promotion to the Segunda Division.

This is another blow to Atletic’s coach Luis Enrique, who has already lost another one of his star player, midfielder Jonathan dos Santos (19), through a hamstring injury, though the young Mexican international could make his return in ten days time if everything is progressing as planned.