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Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has been ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury.

The 24-year-old Spain international had been close to returning from a hamstring tear than has kept him out for almost a month.

Barca are top of the Primera Division after winning all eight games, ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference.

Coach Gerardo Martino has centre-backs Javier Mascherano, 29, and Carlos Puyol, 35, returning from injuries.

The pair came through a friendly against third tier side Sant Andreu unscathed.

Mascherano picked up a thigh injury in the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, while club captain Puyol has been out since March after requiring a major knee operation.

Marc Bartra, 22, has been playing regularly in recent weeks.

But the Catalans defence is likely to have more experience when they face Osasuna - after the international break - on Saturday, 19 October.