Javier Mascherano Injury: Updates on Barcelona Star's Status and Return

Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano has given Blaugrana fans cause for concern, as the defender had to be substituted in the first half of El Clasico against hated rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

Continue for updates.

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Extent of Mascherano's Injury Revealed

Sunday, Nov. 22

Sport reported "Mascherano has just suffered bruising and there's no muscle damage."

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Mascherano Substituted

Saturday, Nov. 21

The Argentina star needed to be withdrawn just before the half-hour mark with Barca leading 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Luis Suarez. The club's official Twitter feed detailed Mascherano's exit, as well as his replacement:

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Mascherano Has Been Able to Avoid Major Injuries

Mascherano's durability has been to Barcelona’s benefit in recent seasons, with the ex-Liverpool man nailing down a regular spot at the heart of the defence and proving to be a wonderful foil for Gerard Pique.

His expert reading of the game, timing and anticipation in the tackle, as well as underrated quality on the ball, make Mascherano perfect for Barca's possession-based style of play.

As noted here by Squawka, the 31-year-old has sampled myriad successes with the Catalan club since he signed from the Reds in 2010:

Encouragingly for last season's treble winners, manager Luis Enrique does have a host of centre-back options to call upon should Mascherano be out for any period of time. Jeremy Mathieu impressed early on in the 2014-15 season, and after injury nightmares ruined his debut campaign in La Liga, Thomas Vermaelen will also be itching to make an impression.

But neither of those players offers as much as Mascherano. His ability to spot danger, provide tenacity in the tackle and deliver astute distribution make him an influential figure at the back for the Camp Nou club.

Although Enrique is well stocked for defensive options, with the club's UEFA Champions League campaign set to resume, any lengthy absence for Mascherano could be costly for the Blaugrana.