Luis Suarez is out for an indefinite period after injuring his right calf in Barcelona s LaLiga loss to Athletic Bilbao on Friday, the club have confirmed.
The 32-year-old striker had to be replaced before half-time at San Mames after receiving treatment following a shot that hit the post.
Lionel Messi missed the match with a calf issue of his own suffered shortly before Barca travelled to the United States for two friendly matches against Napoli last week.
Their absences were felt as Ernesto Valverde s men succumbed to a stunning late winner from Athletic veteran Aritz Aduriz.
Tests carried out on Saturday morning have confirmed Luis Suarez has an injured right calf, Barca said in a statement.
His recovery will dictate his return to action.
[INJURY NEWS] Tests carried out on Saturday morning have confirmed that has an injured right calf. His recovery will dictate his return to action.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)
Suarez s early withdrawal was the first time he has been substituted in the first half of a LaLiga game since he joined Barca from Liverpool in 2014.
The champions suddenly look light on forwards, with Philippe Coutinho set to join Bayern Munich on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Antoine Griezmann debuted against Athletic, but Suarez s injury and Coutinho s departure could see Barca ramp up their interest in former player Neymar, who looks increasingly likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain.
