Man Utd handed major boost after Barcelona star ruled out of Europa League second leg clash at Old Trafford

Barcelona midfielder Gavi picked up a yellow card against Manchester United which rules him out of their second leg match at Old Trafford.

Barcelona played their part in an enthralling 2-2 draw with the Red Devils at the Camp Nou.

Marcos Alonso opened the scoring, meeting Raphinha's corner at the back post early in the second half.

However, it took Marcus Rashford less than five minutes to level, firing the ball past Marc-Andre ter Stegen from the tightest of angles.

Joules Kounde was then guilty of scoring an own-goal inside a crowded six-yard box before Raphinha beat David De Gea with a fine finish from the edge of the area.

But on a night of pure drama, Gavi's suspension will cast a dark shadow over Barca's performance.

Gavi suspended for Old Trafford trip

The Spain international grabbed a hold of Fred's shirt in an attempt to stop United on the counter-attack and was promptly shown a yellow card.

Gavi was booked against Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League earlier this season, and as per UEFA rules, those bookings carry over to every European competition, ruling him out of Barca's next match.

In another blow for Xavi, key midfielder Pedri looks likely to miss the second leg after limping off injured in the first half.

Barcelona confirmed, via their website, that the Spaniard had picked up a hamstring injury.

A club statement read: "Barcelona's Pedri has injured rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh (hamstring). Tests will be required to determine the full extent of the damage."

Meanwhile, Spanish radio station Rac 1 indicate that the player could be out for up to 20 days.

The news will come as a huge blow to Xavi who is already dealing with the absence of Sergio Busquets. However, Barca are hoping to have him back for the second leg.