Barcelona have confirmed that Andre Gomes suffered 'bruising' on international duty with Portugal, rather than a muscular problem that would have meant an extended period on the sidelines.
The central midfielder was forced to withdraw from the Portugal squad for their 2018 World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on Tuesday after picking up the problem in last week's friendly with Gibraltar.
However, medical tests undertaken by the Spanish champions have ruled out a serious problem, and the 23-year-old could now be in line to make his Barcelona debut against Deportivo Alaves this weekend.
"Andre Gomes has returned to Barcelona from international duty with Portugal due to an injury," read a statement from Barcelona. "The medical examination undertaken this morning by the club's doctors has confirmed that the player has a muscular contusion on his right leg. In the next week, it will be determined when he can return to the squad."
Gomes joined Barcelona from Valencia in the summer transfer window.
Matt Law
