By DAN KARELL

Coming off a demoralizing defeat at rival Real Madrid, the last thing Barcelona needed was to learn one of their stars would be out of action.

Following medical tests on Sunday, Barcelona reportedly learned that midfielder Andres Iniesta will miss at least three weeks with a right calf injury, suffered midway through the second half against Real Madrid. Iniesta was substituted off in the 72nd minute and was seen with an ice back on the back of his right leg.

Iniesta is expected to miss up to four Barcelona matches and both of Spain’s upcoming November matches while he recovers. Barcelona face neighbors Espanyol in the Copa Cataluyna final on Wednesday and have a UEFA Champions League match against Ajax sandwiched between La Liga games against Celta de Vigo and Almeria.

Spain meanwhile have a Euro 2016 qualification match against Belarus and a friendly against Germany next month, both of which Iniesta will almost surely miss out on. The Spaniard is aiming to return in time for Barcelona’s home match against Sevilla on Nov. 22.

Multiple Spanish reports also state that Barcelona’s Lionel Messi needed an injection in his ankle to play in El Clasico, which could explain his poorer-than-expected performance.

Here are some more stories to kick off your Monday:

MOURINHO HITS OUT AT REFEREES

Chelsea were just seconds away from leaving Old Trafford with three points before the pendulum swung firmly in Manchester United’s favor.

In second half stoppage time, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic was shown his marching orders with a second yellow card, reducing Chelsea to ten men and giving Man United a great free kick opportunity. Angel Di Maria curled in a great set piece and Robin Van Persie powered home to save a point for Man United.

Following the match, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was unsurprisingly unhappy with the officiating, and claimed he was happy there is still a four-point lead at the top of the English Premier League standings so that they’ll remain in first place through next weekend even if the referees influence a game negatively again.

“I prefer not to speak about the second yellow card because, if I do, I have to start in the first half and go through many, many things that happened in the game,” Mourinho said. “The penalty on Ivanovic [when seemingly fouled by Chris Smalling], the accumulation of cards, the fouls he [Dowd] didn’t give to us, the throw-ins right in front of me and the fourth official and the linesman, that he gave in the other direction.”

ZIDANE CALLS FOR RIBERY TO RETURN TO LES BLUES

Franck Ribery surprised many last August when he abruptly retired from international soccer, but in addition to UEFA president Michel Platini, another of France’s legendary players has called for Ribery’s return to the France National Team.

Speaking to Spanish TV station Canal+, Zinedine Zidane referenced his own early retirement decision in 2004 before coming back to play for Les Blues in 2005 ahead of the 2006 World Cup, when he retired for good following the final.

“When you have a player as talented as this, with the qualities he has, it is true that it would be nice to see him in the France team,” Zidane said.

“What I experienced is that after six months, it was no longer possible (to stay retired),” Zidane continued. “That is to say that when you’re a top player, you love the competition, you like to play and that’s what happened. At one point, I could not have three to four days of rest, because the international window. I was alone in train to Madrid, and I told myself that it was not possible (to stay like this). If I wanted to stay (at the highest level), I would go back and continue with the France team.

“I hope this is also the choice of Franck, to return. It would not hurt the team. ”

QUICK KICKS

South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed during a burglary on Sunday. (REPORT)

Hamburg coach Josef Zinnbauer has signed a new contract through 2016 after impressing in his first six weeks in charge. (REPORT)

Tottenham is reportedly in advanced discussions to sign French free agent Lassana Diarra. (REPORT)

Former Italy and AC Milan great Gennaro Gattusso has resigned from OFI Crete after a 3-2 loss to Asteras. (REPORT)

River Plate extended their unbeaten run to 27 games, stretching back to last season, with a 2-1 comeback victory over Atletico Rafaela. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Do you believe Barcelona have the depth to replace Iniesta in the short term? What do you think of Mourinho’s comments? Should Ribery return to the French National Team?

Share your thoughts below.