Sofia Quijada
Barcelona Loses Key Defender for 10 Days Ahead of Champions League Clash
Barcelona manager Hans Flick faces a significant setback with a defensive injury crisis emerging ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atlético Madrid.
During Saturday’s La Liga match against Atlético, Ronald Araújo suffered an injury in the 39th minute. Marc Bernal entered as a substitute to replace the Uruguayan defender but subsequently picked up his own injury during the same contest.
Medical tests conducted Sunday morning confirmed Araújo sustained a sprained ankle, sidelining him for 10 days of competition.
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Bernal’s Immediate Absence
Bernal will miss the Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid this week, along with the upcoming derby fixture against Espanyol in La Liga. Flick’s coaching staff is targeting the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals as the earliest realistic return date for the young defender.
The defensive injuries represent a critical blow to Barcelona’s European ambitions during a pivotal period of the season.