Despite Barcelona’s 4-1 aggregate win over Chelsea, an injury concern has risen as Sergio Busquets has picked up a foot injury.
Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that midfielder Sergio Busquets will be out for three weeks after picking up a foot injury. With this timetable, it will be tough to get back in time for the Champions League quarterfinals in early April. He certainly won’t play in Barca’s next match: a La Liga tilt against Athletic Bilbao. In addition to that, he will likely have to take a rest during the international break.
Busquets was replaced by Andre Gomes during the 3-0 win over Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. He appeared to pick up the injury after two rough challenges late in the second half. Busquets also plays a big role for the Spanish national team. Spain has a few international fixtures over the break against Germany and Argentina. Despite his desire to play, the best action would be to rest his now ailing foot.
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Ernesto Valverde’s team has been bitten by the injury bug lately. Nelson Semedo and Denis Suarez have been out for a good bit of time. Now, Busquets can be added to that list. However, there is some help in the midfield for the La Liga matches. Despite not having those players, Philippe Coutinho is able to play again after he was cup-tied for the match against Chelsea. The Brazilian has already featured in the Champions League with Liverpool this season.
The Blaugrana confirmed Busquets was injured and released a statement to further explain the extent of the injury. This is a usual practice from the club and Busquets is surely starting the road back to playing again. In the meantime, the other Barca midfielders must be ready to play well down the stretch. Maybe a few Barca B players get their chance in the first team.
"“Medical tests have confirmed that FC Barcelona player Sergio Busquets has suffered a fractured phalanx of the fifth toe of his right foot, with a wound. He is expected to be out of action for approximately 3 weeks. Busquets left the field of play during the Champions League game against Chelsea on Wednesday night, replaced on 60 minutes by André Gomes after he had requested that he be substituted. The Camp Nou applauded him off. He has featured in 41 games so far this season, the majority as part of the starting XI.”Barcelona statement on Sergio Busquets"
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Overall, Sergio Busquets has been one of Barca’s most important players once again. He continues to be the boss in midfield and he sees the game beautifully. The Blaugrana will need players like Paulinho and Andre Gomes to step up over the next few weeks. These two should see a good amount of playing time soon. We will see how Sergio Busquets progresses towards coming back for the Champions League quarterfinals.