Barcelona teenage jewel’s availability for Real Sociedad encounter uncertain – report

Pau Cubarsi was the centre of attention as FC Barcelona returned from Belgrade after another emphatic victory, beating Crvena Zvezda 5-2 in the UEFA Champions League.

The nasty gash on the young defender’s face, sustained during the game and which required up to ten stitches to be closed, was a concerning sight.

Cubarsi a doubt for Real Sociedad clash

As such, AS reports that Cubarsi’s availability for Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga clash against Real Sociedad on Sunday is now uncertain.

As reported a while ago, the teenage central defender wants to play, but Barça are being cautious, aware that if the scar is still very tender, there are serious risks that it could reopen during the match.

Cubarsi could be rested vs Real Sociedad. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

The evolution of the wound in the next few days will ultimately determine whether Cubarsi will travel to San Sebastian or not.

In any case, according to the report, it has been ruled out that he will play with any kind of facial protection: as he did not suffer any type of bone injury, in the event that he is ultimately given the green light to participate.

On the other hand, if manager Hansi Flick decides to rest Cubarsi this Sunday, he would have two clear alternatives in the central axis to accompany Inigo Martinez.

The Barcelona manager could turn to the young academy player Sergi Dominguez, as he already did in Belgrade. Alternatively, he could reposition Jules Kounde as a central defender, and then give the starting position to Hector Fort on the right flank.