Barcelona Confirm Mascherano Played Through The Pain Barrier Against Nigeria

La Liga powerhouse Barcelona have confirmed that the skipper of the Argentina side for Tuesday evening's friendly against Nigeria, Javier Mascherano, faces four weeks on the sidelines due to injury.

The defender picked up a right hamstring injury during the friendly at the Krasnodar Stadium in Russia.

''FC Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has suffered an injury to his right hamstring, the Club confirmed on Wednesday following medical tests carried out at the team’s training center in Sant Joan Despí,'' Barcelona said in a statement published on their official website.

''The 33-year-old Argentinian was hurt during Tuesday night’s international friendly against Nigeria.''

Javier Mascherano has received criticism with regards to his performance against Nigeria, and got nutmegged by Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi before he scored the final goal of the game.

Despite his injury, he managed to complete the game against the three-time African champions.

Substantive captain Lionel Messi, who skipped the friendly against the Super Eagles, resumed training with Barcelona on Wednesday.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : afa.com.ar