Coach Xavi Hernandez has a couple of injured defenders who will be sidelined for a while at a very critical period of the season for FC Barcelona. Prior to Barcelona’s loss against Inter Milan on October 4, 2022, three first team defenders were already injured.
On Tuesday, October 4, saw the addition of yet another defender, Andreas Christensen, making the situation even worse for Barcelona’s manager, who has just three points from his first three Champions League games.
Below are updates on Injured Barcelona defenders
1. Ronald Araujo
Araujo has been Barcelona’s most reliable and sound defender in past games, aiding the team in repelling attacks. He had adductors avulsion while serving his homeland of Uruguay on an international mission. He’s scheduled to return on December 26, 2022.
He is more likely to miss 10 games, including the El-Clasico, which will take place on October 16, 2022, and is the biggest match of the season for Barcelona.
2. Jules Kounde
The newest Barcelona recruit Kounde has actively contributed to Catalonia’s victory this year. Before his injury issues started, Araujo has given Barcelona’s defense stability.
Kounde sustained injuries while playing for France in the Nations League; he had an Achilles tendon issue. He is anticipated to return on October 15, 2022, in time for El Classico on October 16, 2022.
In order to thwart Real Madrid’s onslaught, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez will immediately incorporate him into the team.
3. Hector Bellerin
A test on Bellerin on September 28, 2022 revealed the defender had a calf injury during training, and his recuperation would determine when he would return. He is set to miss three to four weeks of action.
Only two games were played by the defender for Barcelona this year. In upcoming games, Xavi might once again start with seasoned defenders Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba due to the absence of the aforementioned defenders.
4. Andres Christensen
The list of injured Barcelona defensemen has most recently been expanded to include Christensen. Against Inter Milan, the Danish defender sustained a Ligament sprain in his left leg.
Barcelona has stated that tests will be performed by the specialists to ascertain the severity of the injury.
What are Barcelona Chances Of Qualifying For the Champions League Round of 16
Barcelona are a very strong side, but they are having trouble in the Champions League. If they win their remaining games, which they are capable of doing, they will almost certainly qualify. The manager is aware of the stakes and his success at the club as a coach might be determined by his team’s performance at the biggest club competition in Europe.
Barcelona are not currently topping their group as they are behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. However, if they keep their composure and learn from their mistakes, they have a better chance of scaling through to the next round of this season’s Champions League campaign.
All Barca need to do to survive in the Champions League Group C is to beat Inter Milan at home, beat Viktoria Plzeň again in the return leg, and then beat Bayern in the return leg also to seal at least the second spot in the group.
While in the Spanish La Liga, the only team that appears capable of deterring Barca from their goal of winning the league title this season is Real Madrid. The two teams currently have the same number of points (19) in 7 league games. The El-Classico on October 16 could help to decide who will top the league table.
Third placed Athletic Club and fourth placed Real Betis are also vying for the championship and have the ability to shock the giants this season.