Barcelona’s defensive woes intensified during Sunday’s El Clasico when promising right-back Xavi Espart was forced to withdraw after just 30 minutes. The 18-year-old, who started the match under manager Hansi Flick, sustained a knock following a challenge from Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni. Unable to continue, Espart was substituted for Alejandro Balde, marking a significant disruption to the Catalan side’s defensive structure in a high-stakes fixture.
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This latest injury compounds an already severe crisis for Barcelona, who are currently without Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde due to long-term ailments. Espart’s exit leaves Flick with limited options at right-back, forcing the coach to rely on makeshift solutions or further rotation in a congested schedule. The absence of such a crucial young talent is particularly damaging as Barcelona seeks to maintain momentum in both La Liga and the Champions League.
While the severity of Espart’s injury remains unconfirmed, Flick is expected to provide updates following the match. Barcelona’s next fixture is against Alaves this weekend in La Liga, followed by a Champions League clash with Aston Villa and a trip to Atletico Madrid. The team will need to manage its squad carefully, with the potential return of other defenders or tactical adjustments becoming imperative to navigate this demanding stretch of the season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
