Barcelona’s midfield talisman Andres Iniesta has picked up another injury to his left leg in the recent El Classico encounter in the Copa Del Rey.

Iniesta, who has injured his left leg twice prior to this latest blow, lasted only 30 minutes before being substituted against Real Madrid.

The injury was picked up in a relatively tame clash with Alvaro Arbeloa and along with three prior injuries this season, two of which were also to his left thigh will raise doubts over the Spaniard’s long term fitness.

The previous injuries have been relatively short absences for Iniesta, missing two weeks in November with a similar injury. He was sent for further tests to his injured leg and the results have not yet been made public. But the suggestions are that he could have torn his hamstring which would make for a few weeks absence in his recovery.

Barca will be keen to not rush their man back risking further injury and will no doubt give him the time he requires to get back to full strength.

According to betfair, Barca are already missing several key players at the moment with Villa, Keita, Afellay, Fontas and Busquets also out injured and they’re task of overturning Real Madrid’s significant lead in the league is looking increasingly difficult for the Catalans.

With tough games against Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen coming up the reigning European Champions will be keen to see the likes of Iniesta returning sooner rather than later. Whilst not wanting to risk further injuries to their key players they will be equally wary of losing further ground to Real in their attempt to defend their league crown for yet another season. The betting online suggests that Real Madrid are firm favourites to win the league.

The run in for Barca will no doubt include chances to win any number of the trophies in their sight and they will want their top players available for selection. The importance of Iniesta to their successes cannot be over stated and his quick recovery could be crucial to their successes this season.