Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has picked up a hamstring injury which will delay his club further.

The Belgium international moved to the Camp Nou from Arsenal during the summer, but he arrived with a thigh problem that has so far prevented him making an appearance.

He recently started training, but he is now facing another stint on the sidelines with a fresh muscular complaint, according to the club's official website.

Although there has been no timescale placed on Vermaelen's expected recovery, the 29-year-old has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League clash against APOEL.

Barca have also confirmed that playmaker Andres Iniesta will miss the trip to Cyprus with a calf injury.