MADRID, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona confirmed Thursday that Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez will miss this Saturday's La Liga game away to Getafe.
Alexis returned from playing two World Cup qualifying matches for his country with what the club describes as a slight muscle tear on the left side of his groin which means he will definitely not be available at the weekend and is doubtful for next week's Champions League debut against Spartak Moscow.
The loss of Alexis, who suffered several muscle injuries last season comes just a day after it was confirmed influential midfielder Andres Iniesta will also be sidelined for the next two weeks.
Iniesta also suffered his injury while on international duty while playing for Spain away to Georgia on Tuesday night.
The news is a blow for Iniesta, who like Alexis has suffered a lot of muscle injuries in recent seasons and who just two weeks ago was named as UEFA player of the year.
However, the injuries to Alexis and Iniesta could open the door for Cesc Fabrigas or David Villa to return to the starting 11 in Getafe. Villa scored a penalty for Spain against Saudi Arabia last Friday, while Fabrigas, whose early season form has been questioned by some, helped set Roberto Soldado up for Spain's winning goal in Georgia after coming on as a substitute in the game.
Winger Christian Tello, who has been in coach Tito Vilanova's plans in this early part of the campaign could also be given his chance. Fortunately for Barca, Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano both returned unscathed from Argentina's 1-1 draw in Peru.
Left back Jordi Alba is currently suffering from flu, but should have recovered in time to be included in the squad to travel to Getafe.