Barcelona lose another starter for at least three weeks due to injury

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 15: Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Camp Nou on February 15, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 15: Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Camp Nou on February 15, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona bereft of depth with latest injury to versatile Sergi Roberto.

Barcelona face two crucial games that could very well decide their season on all fronts when they take on Napoli and Real Madrid, respectively. Unfortunately for Quique Setién, he’ll have to do it without one of his more trusted players.

The club released their squad list for their midweek Champions League game and it was without Sergi Roberto.

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According to Sport, the versatile defender/midfielder is set to miss three to four weeks with a thigh injury.

He was an unused substitute in Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Eibar. Nelson Semedo was given the start at right-back.

Roberto joins Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembélé and Jordi Alba on the injured list.

The Catalans seem to be paying for their poor planning prior to the start of the season and during the winter transfer window.

They loaned out both Juan Miranda and Marc Cucurella. With Alba’s injury, Junior Firpo will start both against Napoli and Real Madrid with Barça B’s Sergio Akieme as back-up.

Moussa Wague, the back-up to the back-up, was also loaned out and don’t have another right-back on the squad aside from Nelson Semedo. For a club whose spent hundreds of millions of euros, squad planning has left much to be desired.

Despite his limitations, Sergi Roberto can play pretty much anywhere on the pitch. He’s been used at right-back, midfield and on the wing. While he may not excel in one spot, he provides alternatives. Essentially, he’s three players in one. Without him, Barcelona are even more stretched.

The full-back position, especially at right-back, is one that’s been lacking since Dani Alves left. Nelson Semedo gets another opportunity to make the case for himself as does Junior Firpo.

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If the Catalans hope to lift any silverware this season, both are going to need to improve and fast.