Injury-plagued Thomas Vermaelen will be out of action for a month after suffering a torn muscle in his calf, Barcelona have confirmed.
Vermaelen was featuring in La Liga for just the third time this season in the 5-0 crushing of Levante on Sunday when he sustained the injury, forcing his withdrawal for Arthur in the 52nd minute.
A statement released by the Catalan giants on their official website read: "The first team player Thomas Vermaelen felt a problem in Sunday's game away at Levante.
"Tests carried out on the defender show that he has a torn muscle in his right calf and will be out for around four weeks.