Spanish international Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of Barcelona's La Liga match at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday due to a sprained ankle.

With two of Barcelona's biggest games of the season against Manchester City and Real Madrid coming up the defensive midfielder now faces a race against time to be fit.

The 26-year-old was injured as Barca progressed to the Copa del Rey final with a 3-1 win over Villarreal on Wednesday.

"Tests carried out confirm the player has sprained his right ankle," a club statement said. "The player is out for the game against Rayo and availability for upcoming games will depend on his progress."

City travel to Catalonia for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on March 18, before Madrid visit the Camp Nou four days later in a match already being billed as a potential La Liga title decider.