Barcelona defender Jordi Alba is a major doubt for Saturday's game against Real Madrid after tests on Monday revealed he is suffering from severe bruising to his fibula and knee and has a sprained ankle.
Alba, 27, returned from a hamstring injury against Malaga on Nov. 19 but was hurt again as Barca drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad on Sunday -- a result that leaves them six points behind La Liga leaders Madrid.
The Spain international injured his knee in a challenge with Carlos Vela in the first half and looked set to come off, with Lucas Digne stripped and ready to replace him. However, he managed to play on, eventually completing the game.
It may come at a cost, though, as Alba was forced to sit out training on Monday and tests carried out at Barca's training ground suggest he will struggle to recover in time for this weekend's Clasico.
"Test have shown that first-team player Jordi Alba has severe bruising to the tip of his fibula and to his knee, while he also has a sprain in his right ankle," a Barca statement read. "His evolution will mark his availability for the coming matches."
In better news for Luis Enrique, Arda Turan was back in training after missing the game against Sociedad with a fever, while Andres Iniesta and Samuel Umtiti trained alongside their teammates following respective knee ligament and hamstring injuries.
Barca will hope to have both Iniesta and Umtiti available for Madrid's visit and Luis Enrique may feel inclined to hand them some minutes in Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Hercules if they are ready.
The majority of first-team regulars may sit that game out, with B team players Marc Cardona, Marlon Santos, Carles Alena, Nili Perdomo, Moises Delgado and Alex Carbonell all likely to be involved after training on Monday.