Barca's Alves sidelined 15-20 days by leg injury

Barcelona defender Dani Alves will be sidelined for 15-20 days after injuring his right thigh muscle during Sunday's 4-0 away victory over Levante, the club said Monday.

"Tests undertaken on Monday on the Brazilian player confirm a stretch in the right femoral biceps (muscle at the back of the thigh)," Barcelona said on its website.

Alves, who had just recovered from a similar injury in the left thigh, had to be substituted in the 14th minute of Sunday's game by Martin Montoya.

The injury means he will likely miss a December 16 clash with Atletico Madrid, who are lying second in La Liga just three points behind leaders Barcelona.

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