Javier Mascherano suffers 'bruising' in El Clasico

Barcelona have revealed that Javier Mascherano did not suffer a muscular injury during Saturday's El Clasico at the Bernabeu.

The Argentine international had to be replaced in the first half of his team's 4-0 win over Real Madrid after pulling up with a thigh problem following a collision with James Rodriguez.

It had been feared that the centre-back had suffered potentially long-term damage, but scans confirmed that he had escaped a serious problem.

"Tests on first-team player Javier Mascherano confirm he has a bruise on his right thigh, but without a muscle injury," read a statement from the Spanish club.

"His progress will determine whether he will be available for the coming matches."

Mascherano is still expected to miss the mid-week Champions League clash with Roma.