“The player sustained a contusion with caused an edema (a swelling) in the fourth metatarsal in his left foot,” a short statement from Barcelona read. “He will be sidelined for four weeks.”

Spain left-back Jordi Alba also suffered an injury blow during the 2-1 loss at the Mestalla. He is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks after tearing a muscle in his right hamstring.

The pair will therefore miss the bulk of the Catalan club’s remaining Primera Division fixtures, with the season ending on May 17.

Barcelona, third in La Liga heading into the weekend, host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The news will also be a worry for the respective national teams, with hosts Brazil kicking off the World Cup against Croatia on June 12 and defending champions Spain taking on Holland the following day.