The 24-year-old requested to be substituted in the 67th minute of his side's Champions League draw against Basle on Tuesday after pulling up injured, and tests revealed that he has torn a muscle in his right leg.

Following further examinations on Wednesday the Catalan club announced a lay-off of up to two months was expected, leaving Iniesta to admit he was upset with the situation but prepared to give his recovery the time it needs.

"All I'm worried about is getting better. I have to be calm and think about myself," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"(Before the tests) I had hoped it was something less serious, but it is what it is. I don't feel great, but looking backwards serves no purpose.

"When I have to return, I will. what hurts me is the injury, the rest is secondary. Luckily there are people who can play."

Barca club doctor Ricard Pruna explained to club website www.fcbarcelona.cat that he had spoken to Iniesta about the length of the lay-off and about the need not to rush the player back into the squad.

He said: "We've spoken to the player so that he knows the most important thing is for him to be calm, as that is the way to recover from this type of injury.

"I would recommend a recovery period of six to eight weeks before he returns to playing so that this injury does not bother him again in the future."

Iniesta's team-mate Xavi Hernandez added: "It's a shame because he's a vital player, capable of making a difference and playing different roles.

"Furthermore it's a shame because he's going through a great patch of form and some important games are coming up, but we have weapons in our armoury to make sure his absence is not so noticeable."