Andres Iniesta in contention for Barcelona’s first clash with Real Madrid on December 3

ANDRES INIESTA’S injury is not as bad as first feared — and he could even return for the first El Clasico of the season.

The Barcelona midfielder looked set for a long period on the sidelines after leaving the pitch in tears at the weekend following a strong challenge from Valencia’s Enzo Perez.

Initial fears were that he would miss the rest of the season.

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But scans showed it was a partial tear on the external ligament on his leg and a bruised knee.

Iniesta is expected to be out for around six weeks, which means he could make the clash against Real Madrid on December 3, which will not be available to view on British TV.

In all, the 32-year-old will definitely miss seven matches — including Barcelona’s trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City in the Champions League on November 1.

As well as the clash at Celtic three weeks later.

In the midfielder’s absence, the Catalans went onto win a thrilling encounter 3-2 at Valencia, with Lionel Messi scoring the winner from the penalty spot in stoppage-time.

Iniesta is one of the most popular figures in Spanish football, courtesy of his World Cup-winning goal in South Africa in 2010.

He is one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the game, amassing a whopping 25 major honours for club and country.