What happened: Barcelona ruled defender Xavi Espart out for approximately seven weeks after Sunday's El Clasico. The 19-year-old suffered the injury in the 2-1 loss to Real Madrid, a final result.

Why it matters: The absence further thins Barcelona's defensive options. Losing to a direct rival trims Barcelona's margin at the top.

What to watch: Barcelona must reshuffle the back line in the coming weeks.