Barcelona defender Gerard Pique set to miss Celtic clash

Published on 02/11/2012 12:13

BARCELONA star Gerard Pique is likely to miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Celtic after failing to recover from a foot injury.

The Spanish international defender was due to return to action this weekend in Barca’s La Liga match against Celta Vigo, but the injury is taking much longer to heal than first predicted.

When Pique picked up the sprain in a previous Champions League match against Spartak Moscow in September, he was told he faced just three weeks on the sidelines.

However, the injury has confounded the Barcelona medical team and manager Tito Vilanova.

Vilanova said: “He’s still got a great deal of discomfort on his foot and may miss out against Celta Vigo and Celtic.”

Barcelona have been beset by defensive injuries recently. Captain Carles Puyol, Brazilian full-back Dani Alves and long-term absentee Eric Abidal have all been out for long spells.

In their 2-1 win over Celtic at the Nou Camp last week, Barcelona were forced to field youngster Marc Bartra in central defence. Midfielders Alex Song and Javier Mascherano have also been called upon to provide cover at the back.