Has FC Barcelona's 3-0 victory against Alaves come with a significant setback?

FC Barcelona, coming on the back of a brilliant performance against Young Boys in UCL, was much expected of against Alaves, and they delivered the same. Looking dominant in the game throughout the playing minutes, the Blaugrana club cruised past Alaves, 3-0, at the Mendizorroza Stadium. However, while it all turned out brilliant in the end, Hansi Flick's Barcelona wasn't up to the best possible start to the fixture.

Has FC Barcelona's 3-0 victory against Alaves come with a significant setback?

Minutes into the kickoff, the German mastermind was forced to sub off Spanish star Ferran Torres for pivot star Eric Garcia as he looked in discomfort to continue further. In fact, even after the win, Barca boss Flick seemed rather concerned for the player rather than happy about the win. Thus, the question arises: Has Barca's 3-0 victory against Alaves come with a significant setback?

So far this season, Ferran Torres hasn't been at the level everyone expects the Spanish International to be. While he certainly has been favored with less game time than the front trio of Club Captain Raphinha, star forward Lewandowski, and youngster Yamal, Ferran hasn't been highly convincing either. However, given the stature of the wing forward, he has been an integral part of Flick's setup.

As was evident from Flick's concern for the winger's absence, who stands much above the pecking order for the left wing, Ferran's injury could prove crucial to the club. Moreover, what hasn't gone in FC Barcelona's favor is the fact that although initial reports suggested that him having a biceps femoris injury in his right leg could be out for 3 weeks, recent reports sound much more concerning.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Ferran Torres, having torn his hamstring injury, might be out for a longer duration than 3 weeks. In fact, the report further suggested that he could be out for around 8 weeks, but hopefully, he can cut that time short. Having faced the injury in a similar area where he had gotten injured in January, the player's recovery would require time.

While certainly the player's absence would be much felt by the Blaugrana club for what he could have contributed on the field, his off-field contribution will be missed as well. As per reports from Diario SPORT, being one of the seasoned stars at the club, Torres spends a lot of time with the young players. Be it advising them and listening to what they have to say, the player always gives his best on and off the field.

Clearly, in the meantime, when he returns, Ferran's absence might hamper the Catalan club on some key aspects. While the player's injury suspension does come with an opportunity for prodigy players Ansu Fati and Pau Victor to step up, the club would hope for him to return sooner than expected.