Barcelona dealt blow as key defender likely to miss LaLiga clash against Las Palmas: Reports
As per reports, Barcelona centre-back Inigo Martinez could miss their upcoming LaLiga clash against Las Palmas. The two teams will face off at the Lluis Companys stadium on Saturday, November 30.
According to SPORT (via Barca Blaugranes), Martinez is suffering from muscular discomfort, which could cause him to miss out on their upcoming clash.
Barcelona have a packed schedule from now until December 21 as they will play six games in this period, beginning with the clash against Las Palmas on November 30. The club should be careful with Martinez's fitness as the 33-year-old centre-back has been vital for Barca this season.
Martinez has made 18 appearances this season, missing just one game for La Blaugrana. His injury will be a huge cause of concern for manager Hansi Flick, with quite a few centre-backs struggling with injury.
Given the absence of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi could be paired with another young player like Sergi Dominguez in the heart of defense.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick speaks about midfielder struggling to find fitness
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has spoken about midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has struggled for fitness in recent times. The Dutch midfielder has spent the vast majority of the year out of contention after picking up an injury in April.
De Jong returned to the pitch in October and has made a few appearances, mostly off the bench, but is yet to regain full fitness. About the Dutchman's struggles, Hansi Flick said (via Barca Blaugranes):
“De Jong is working very hard to get back to his best level. He’s not 100%, but we’re working on it and he will. I am happy that the other midfielders are playing well. We will try to get De Jong back to the best physical level, we are all working on it.”
Barcelona will hope that they can continue their season without being heavily affected by injuries to important players. They will be hoping that players like Frenkie de Jong and Inigo Martinez are deemed fully fit in no time.
