Jeremy Mathieu Illness: Updates on Barcelona Star's Virus and Return

Jeremy Mathieu may miss out on Barcelona's trip to face Huesca in the first leg of their Copa del Rey clash on Wednesday after picking up a virus.

The club's official website confirmed the defender was absent from training on Monday after starting in Sunday's 1-0 win at Valencia.

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The Frenchman can perhaps afford to be rested for Wednesday's trip to third-tier Huesca, and Luis Enrique will hope to see his side make it three clean sheets in a row after the midweek fixture.

Mathieu has been a key part of Barca's defence since moving from the Mestalla over the summer, and he remains in the running to make his return to training this week.

In his potential absence, Javier Mascherano or Marc Bartra could sit alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the back four.