Barcelona striker Ibrahimovich injury worry

Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovich is a major injury doubt for next week's vital matches against Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

The Barcelona medical services confirmed that Swedish international is suffering from a hamstring strain in his left leg.

The injury means Ibrahimovich will certainly miss Saturday's visit to Bilbao to face Athletic Club and that he runs the risk of missing a further two matches.

"Depending on the evolution of his injury, we will assess whether or not the player is available for the following games," confirmed a communique issued by the Barcelona press office.

Next Tuesday sees Barcelona entertain Inter Milan in a match that could determine the club's future in the Champions League.

Defeat to the Italian side would leave the reigning European Champion almost certainly out of the competition and be a major setback to Pep Guardiola's side.

Meanwhile Sunday Nov. 29 sees Barcelona play at home to Real Madrid in the first "Classico" of the season.

With the two Spanish giants looking clear favorites to win the BBVA Primera Liga this campaign and given the bitter rivalry between the two clubs, it is possibly the most important game of the season to date.

Ibrahimovich suffered the injury playing against Mallorca on Nov. 7 and had been expected to have recovered fully before this latest setback.

Source: Xinhua