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Nursing unit Full! FC Barcelona With NINE Players Injured in a Crucial Month
FC Barcelona season has been a real rollercoaster, especially with results fluctuating wildly. But the real struggle has been on the physical front, dealing with injuries across the board. In the last week alone, Barcelona faced more setbacks, and now, just two weeks away from the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, they're dealing with a total of nine first-team player absences.
As of today, Coach Xavi Hernández is left with a squad of twelve registered first-team players: one goalie (Iñaki Peña), four defenders (Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde), five midfielders (Oriol Romeu, Frenkie De Jong, Ilkay Gündogan, Fermín López, and Pedri), and two forwards (Robert Lewandowski and Vitor Roque).
There's a glimmer of hope, though, as some players might recover in time for the crucial Round of 16 clash against Napoli.
- Ter Stegen (back issues): The German goalkeeper has been out since November 17th due to back troubles that led to lumbar problems, requiring surgery on December 8th. In recent training sessions, he's been back between the posts, and there's optimism that he'll be available for Xavi before the continental competition's Round of 16.
- Rafael Dias Belloli 'Raphinha' (hamstring): The Brazilian has been dealing with a muscle issue since January 11th, stemming from the Supercopa de España semifinal against Osasuna. While he hasn't joined group training yet, there's anticipation that he'll get back in action in the coming weeks, possibly for the Napoli game.
- Íñigo Martínez (hamstring): The Basque central defender has been sidelined since January 7th due to another muscular injury. He participated in some group training this week but hasn't received medical clearance. There's a chance he might be included in the lineup for the upcoming league match against Alavés.
- Sergi Roberto (Achilles tendon): Reus midfielder missed the last two games against Villarreal and Osasuna due to Achilles tendon discomfort in his left foot. The club's outlook is positive, expecting him to be back in action for the Champions League tie.
Now, those already in the medical room and likely to miss the Round of 16, plus two league games, include:
- Joao Félix (ankle sprain): The Portuguese forward suffered a lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle during the last training session before facing Osasuna.
- Ferran Torres (hamstring): Against Osasuna, he left the pitch in the 7th minute visibly affected, and barring a surprise, he's completely ruled out for the Napoli game due to a hamstring injury in his right thigh. It's a significant blow for the Barcelona boss, given that the Foios forward is the team's second-highest goal scorer behind Lewandowski.
- Marcos Alonso (back issues): This season, he's only played seven games. On December 10th, the club revealed he had a lumbar issue, and he underwent surgery on January 3rd. His presence against Napoli is off the table.
- Alejandro Balde (hamstring): The left-back underwent surgery on Tuesday for a hamstring tendon injury in his right leg suffered on January 24th in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals against Athletic Club. It's unlikely he'll return to action this season.
- Pablo Páez Gavira 'Gavi' (knee): The Andalusian midfielder won't play again until the next season due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee, sustained on November 19th with the Spanish national team."