Barcelona’s bad luck shows no sign of ending after the Spanish champions confirmed Neymar and Jordi Alba are set to miss the majority of their remaining matches this season through injury.
Problems off the field have been compounded by misery on it for the Blaugrana recently, losing for the third time in succession on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey final to rivals Real Madrid.
It is the first time the Nou Camp outfit have lost three on the bounce since 2003 after defeats to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Granada in La Liga previously.
The 2-1 loss to Los Blancos leaves them with just one hope of silverware for the remainder of the season but their chances of retaining their league title have been hit by the news Neymar and Alba are set for time on the sidelines.
Neymar picked up a foot injury in Wednesday’s game and is expected to be out for the next month, while Alba has a hamstring problem which will see him miss three to four weeks.
A Barca statement read: “Neymar sustained a contusion with caused an edema (a swelling) in the fourth metatarsal in his left foot.
“He will be sidelined for four weeks.”
Barcelona are hopeful of having both players fit for the potentially pivotal clash with Atletico Madrid at home on May 18.
The Catalan club are currently four points behind the table-topping Los Rojiblancos in third and are 6.00 to claim the title, with Atletico 2.00.
Atleti could extend their advantage over Barca and local rivals Real Madrid if they can beat struggling Elche at home on Friday night.
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