Hleb Injury Worse Than First Feared

As if Pep Guardiola didn’t have enough on his plate after Barcelona yet again failed to turn overwhelming possession into a win, the coach has learnt today that Aliaksandr Hleb will be out for at least three weeks rather than the previously reported two…

Sep 14, 2008 3:46:22 PM

Crunch time: New Barcelona signing Aliaksandri Hleb in a world of pain after a less than perfect challenge from Racing's Pinillos. Hleb will be out of action for two to four weeks.

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Crunch time: New Barcelona signing Aliaksandri Hleb in a world of pain after a less than perfect challenge from Racing's Pinillos. Hleb will be out of action for two to four weeks.

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Barcelona

As debuts go it wasn’t going too bad for Aliaksandr Hleb in the Camp Nou on Saturday night. The Belorussian was looking as threatening as ever as he tormented the Racing Santander defence but then in the 37th minute it all went horribly wrong.

A fierce challenge from Pablo Pinillos saw the former Arsenal player collapse to the floor, only to be stretchered from the pitch and taken to the medical room. From there it was reported that he would be out for two weeks with an ankle injury, now it is believed the actual extent of the injury means he could be out for up to four weeks.

The midfielder only joined the Catalan club this summer for a fee of around £11.8 million and this injury to his left ankle will be a real blow to both him and manager Guardiola, who saw his side fail to win for the third game in a row as they drew 1-1.

The only good news for the player following the medical report is that it has been confirmed there is no breakage, which could speed his recovery.

During his three year spell at Arsenal Hleb made 87 appearances, scoring seven times, and he was widely regarded as an exciting talent in the world football.

Hleb will miss Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon this week as well as any other upcoming fixtures in the next month.

James Walker-Roberts

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