Javier Mascherano ended Real Sociedad game with minor pain

Javier Mascherano was praised by Luis Enrique for the job he did in midfield in the absence of Sergio Busquets. The Argentine was on the pitch for 66 minutes and was able to demonstrate that, despite being a central defender for the club for many years, his natural position is in midfield. 

However, his removal in the 66th minute was not a question of tactics, but off physical pain. The player felt a niggle in his right hamstring in the moment just before Juanmi's goal (62) for La Real. He tried to continue, but decided in the end to inform the bench that it would be best not to take a risk. 

The knock doesn't seem anything serious, but it came at a bad moment for the player. It's been a long time since he started in the pivote position, where he feels especially comfortable and where he plays for Argentina. 

Mascherano's personal objective, therefore, was to prove that he's ready to play in midfield for Barça. For that reason he was disappointed when he had to be taken off with over 20 minutes still to go in the Copa del Rey game against Real Sociedad. 

Despite the pain, he's not been ruled out of Barça's next game -- Sunday's trip to Real Betis (midday kick off).