Barcelona have confirmed Andres Iniesta will be unavailable for up to two months after injuring his knee in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Valencia.

The Blaugrana skipper was stretchered off in the first half at the Mestalla following a heavy challenge by Los Che midfielder Enzo Perez.

After undergoing tests on the problem, it has been confirmed the 33-year-old has injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and is now expected to be out for around six to eight weeks.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “The first team player Andres Iniesta has injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee following tests on his return to Barcelona after the team’s away victory at Valencia.

“The midfielder is expected to be out for some six to eight weeks.” It means if all goes well, he could return to play in Barca’s final two games of 2016, with them due to face local rivals Espanyol on December 18 and Hercules in the Copa del Rey three days later.

Iniesta’s absence will give one of his younger team-mates a chance to establish themselves in Luis Enrique’s side, with Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez his most likely replacements, while Arda Turan may also be given a chance to shine.

Next up for Barca in La Liga is Saturday’s visit of Granada to Camp Nou, a game they are 1.06 to win, with the draw 12.00 and the Andalusians 51.00.

The Blaugrana are the 1.75 favourites to defend their La Liga crown this season, while they also lead the Champions League betting at 3.80.