Barcelona lose Hleb for three weeks

Barcelona must do without Belarus winger Alexander Hleb for at least three weeks with the club confirming the player picked up a left ankle sprain in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Racing Santander.

Hleb was hacked down by Pablo Pinillos towards the end of the first half and his home debut ended on a low note as he left the field clutching his ankle.

Hleb, signed from Arsenal in the summer, will now miss Barcelona's Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday and several league fixtures.

Barcelona have collected just two points from six in the league – their worst start since the 1973/74 season.