The Barcelona talisman will have to sit out the game against Elche this weekend. The Argentine's red card from the Spanish Super Cup has been confirmed by the Spanish Football Federation.

When the 33-year-old Argentine injured Athletic Bilbao striker Asier Villalibre in the Super Cup final on Sunday night, it was the first time in his career that he was given a red card.

The Argentine will sit out with the first of his two games ban in midweek, with Barca advancing to the Copa del Rey tournament following a victory in extra time against Segunda B club Cornellà.

Barcelona chose after the Super Cup to appeal in the hope of having the penalty reduced, but on Friday afternoon, the Spanish FA rejected that appeal

Ahead of the weekend, Barcelona is in third place in La Liga with three points up to Real Madrid and ten points up to the leading team Atletico Madrid.