Barcelona defender Alves out 3 weeks

Dani Alves has been with Barcelona since 2008.

Albert Gea/Reuters

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Barcelona's already hurting defense has taken another hit with Dani Alves sidelined for three weeks because of a pulled muscle in his left thigh.

The Brazil right back left Sunday's 2-2 tie against Real Madrid in the first half and was replaced by Martin Montoya.

Barcelona was already missing Carles Puyol, out until December with a dislocated elbow, while Eric Abidal is still recovering from a liver transplant.

Defender Gerard Pique is expected to return soon from a sprained left foot.

Barcelona is also without midfielder Thiago Alcantara because of a damaged ligament, while Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba, Adriano and Alexis Sanchez have all missed games this season due to health problems.

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