Mathieu sidelined by ankle injury

Spain - Jeremy Mathieu missed training after it was revealed the Barcelona defender is nursing a right ankle knock.

However, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Thomas Vermaelen continued their recuperation from injury, the La Liga club said.

The Catalana club did not specify whether the France international, who joined Barca from Valencia during the off season and started their opening two La Liga games, would be fit for Saturday's match at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Forward Messi, midfielder Iniesta and defender Vermaelen, who are recovering from minor niggles, took part in some of Wednesday's session, the club said on their official Twitter account.

Under new coach Luis Enrique, Barcalona are looking to improve on last season's second-place finish in Spain's top flight and are the only side to have won their opening two games.