Barcelona captain out for two weeks with muscle injury, will miss three matches

More problems for Barcelona and Xavi Hernandez as first captain Sergi Roberto has picked up an injury, reports Toni Juanmarti of SPORT.

Only earlier this week, the Blaugrana had lost Alejandro Balde to an injury during the Copa del Rey clash against Athletic Club, with the youngster’s season likely over.

And now, Barcelona have lost another full-back to an injury, with Roberto out due to a muscle ailment.

As per the report, Roberto felt some muscular discomfort on Friday and as a result, he will be out of tonight’s La Liga clash against Villarreal.

It is suggested that the 31-year-old is expected to be out for a period of two weeks, which would effectively rule him out of the matches against CA Osasuna and Deportivo Alaves next week, apart from tonight’s game versus Villarreal.

This situation is far from ideal for Barcelona, who, having lost Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso to injuries, are likely to be forced to play Joao Cancelo at left-back in the coming games, with Hector Fort filling in at right-back.

Roberto’s injury means that Barça are now short on an option in the right-back position as well, although Jules Kounde is a player Xavi can count on to fill in.

As things stand, the Barcelona captain is expected to be back for the La Liga clash against Granada on February 11.