The Portuguese playmaker suffered a thigh injury during the second half of his side's 3-1 defeat at Villarreal on Saturday, and with early predictions putting him out of action until early December.

And those were confirmed on Sunday after Deco underwent further tests on the injury, meaning he is now likely to miss the Primera Liga matches against Almeria, Real Valladolid, Real Betis, Getafe and Recreativo Huelva, as well as three Champions League games with Rangers (two) and Lyon.

He is also set to miss Portugal'stwo Euro 2008 qualifiers against Armenia and Finland in November.

Barca coach Frank Rijkaard said after Villarreal defeat: "The injury to Deco is a pity. He is a very important player for us. I hope that he recovers soon."