Barcelona midfielder Rakitic has strained hamstring muscle

Barcelona, Nov 17: Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has suffered a right thigh muscle injury, the Catalan club announced on Saturday, but confirmed the player's hamstring was strained, not torn.

The Croatia international sustained the injury during his national team's 3-2 win over Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, reports Efe.

"Ivan Rakitic has a strained semimembranosus muscle in his right hamstring," Barcelona said in a statement, citing tests conducted Saturday.

The Spanish club did not estimate how long Rakitic would be out, although this type of injury typically takes around three weeks to heal.

The midfielder was already set to miss Barcelona's La Liga game against Atletico Madrid on November 24 due to his suspension, after being sent off against Real Betis.

Rakitic could also miss the UEFA Champions League group stage match against PSV Eindhoven on November 28.