Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta gestures on a stretcher after being injured during the Spanish league football match Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on October 22, 2016 (Photo: AFP)
Barcelona is facing a long spell without the midfield magic of captain Andres Iniesta after he suffered a serious leg injury on Saturday.
Barcelona said Iniesta injured a ligament and part of his right knee when he was tackled early in the 3-2 win at Valencia.
Coach Luis Enrique said Iniesta would be sidelined for "weeks."
Iniesta grabbed his knee and called for medical assistance after he was tackled by Valencia's Enzo Perez in the 12th minute.
The Spain midfielder's knee appeared to buckle during the aggressive tackle. Iniesta was in obvious pain while he was put on the stretcher and carried off.
Barcelona issued a medical report, and said Iniesta would undergo more tests when he returned to Barcelona.
Luis Enrique was furious that Perez wasn't booked for the tackle.
"It was a clear action in which we saw a player injured and yet there was no yellow card," he said. "Tomorrow, we will see how bad the injury is, but yes, he will be out weeks. It's a serious injury."
Ivan Rakitic replaced Iniesta. Barcelona won the match after Lionel Messi scored his second of two goals with a stoppage-time penalty.
The 32-year-old Iniesta is Barcelona's best playmaker, blessed with superb vision, passing, and dribbling skills.
He has helped the club win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues.
Iniesta is also a key player for Spain, which is seeking qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
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