Barcelona confirm two injuries ahead of Deportivo la Coruna clash

Barcelona have confirmed Jasper Cillessen is set to be on the sidelines for around three weeks after suffering sprained ligaments in his right ankle on international duty. Meanwhile, the club have failed to set a date on Sergi Roberto's comeback, after the Spanish international right-back also picked up a strain to his right abductor ahead of a busy week which will see the Catalans hosting Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday (15 October) before a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Cillessen was an unused substitute in Holland's 4-1 win over Belarus in Rotterdam on 7 October. Yet, the keeper was later forced to pull out from the squad for the following World Cup qualifier against France after sustaining injury during training.

Meanwhile, Sergi Roberto didn't feature for Spain in the World Cup 1-1 draw against Italy last week. However, the versatile right-back also suffered a problem during a training session, which forced manager Julen Lopetegui to rule him out for the 2-0 victory over Albania on Sunday night.

Barcelona have now confirmed the double blow via an official statement after the duo underwent medical tests at the club.

"Tests Monday confirmed that first-team goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has suffered sprained ligaments in his right ankle, an injury that will keep him out of action for approximately three weeks," the club said about the keeper while adding: "In other injury news, Barça midfielder Sergi Roberto has suffered a strain to his right abductor, according to tests carried out on Monday. His availability will be determined in the coming days.

The duo were the second and third Barcelona players to suffer injury on international duty after Jordi Alba had previously withdrawn from the Spanish squad due to another muscle problem, being consequently rule out for around 10 days.

The news is a blow for manager Luis Enrique ahead of their home game with Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday (15 October), which will come only four days before Pep Guardiola's return to the Nou Camp for a Champions League crucial clash between Manchester City and his former side.

Cillessen will miss both games and as well the following two La Liga encounters against Valencia and Granada. Yet, the Dutchman could be back available to back-up Marc-Andre Ter Stegen for the second Champions League encounter with Manchester City on 1 November.

Furthermore, reports in Spain are claiming that Sergi Roberto is going to miss the game with Deportivo, but could be back to host Manchester City on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are yet to provide any update on the rehabilitations of Lionel Messi and Samuel Umtiti, but reports suggest the long-term duo absentees could be back to face Deportivo. However, Ivan Rakitic, who also withdrew from the Croatia squad with an Achilles tendon injury, faces a race against time to play after on 3 October the national team ruled him out for around 10 days.