Eto'o a concern for Barca

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto´o could miss both of his club’s Champions League clashes with Chelsea next month after he was carried off on a stretcher during last night’s 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in Germany.

The Cameroon international was replaced in the 65th minute after sustaining a knee injury and the initial assessment was a ruptured meniscus in his right knee.

Although the 25-year-old will need to undergo further tests, Barcelona doctor Ricard Pruna admitted: “If this diagnosis is confirmed he could be out for between two and three months.”

Pruna also explained the injury occurs “when there is a sudden change of direction of the knee“.

Losing Eto´o would be a major blow for Barcelona, who travel to Stamford Bridge on October 18 and then welcome Chelsea to the Nou Camp on October 31, as he is one of their most influential players.

Signed from Real Mallorca for £16.2m (€24m) in 2004, Eto´o scored 25 goals in his first season as Barcelona won the Primera Liga title for the first time since 1999. He then scored 26 goals as Barca retained the title last season while he also netted the equaliser in May´s Champions League final against Arsenal, which the Catalan giants went on to win.

Barca drew 1-1 with Werder Bremen following a last-minute equaliser by Lionel Messi.