Barcelona's Abidal injured, to miss Almeria match

Barcelona's Abidal injured, to miss Almeria match

Published Nov. 19, 2010 2:59 p.m. ET

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal will miss Saturday's Spanish league match at Almeria due to a leg injury.

The team said the left back slightly tore a muscle in his right leg during France's midweek win over England.

''Abidal came back with a small, small, small injury and we can not risk losing him,'' said Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola may also reserve Gerard Pique, who has four yellow cards and will miss the next league match versus Real Madrid if he draws his fifth.

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''We will decide tomorrow whether Pique plays or not,'' Guardiola said.

Backup goalkeeper Jose Pinto is also doubtful as he recovers from a cold.

Barcelona has 28 points, one behind leader Real Madrid, while Almeria is 18th with only one win this season.

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