La Liga giants Barcelona have this evening been dealt yet another altogether untimely blow on the personnel front.
As much, of course, comes amid the Blaugrana’s endeavours in the latest edition of El Clásico.
Xavi’s troops are currently locked in action at the Santiago Bernabéu, in a La Liga showdown with arch rivals Real Madrid.
With 45 minutes on the clock, the sides are level at a goal apiece, after Andreas Christensen’s early opener was cancelled out by a Vinícius Jr. spot-kick.
As alluded to above, though, seeing their advantage on the scoreline wiped out was far from Barcelona’s only concern during the first-half on Sunday night.
In addition, the Catalans have been forced to face up to a fresh injury blow.
The moment in question came on the stroke of the interval, when a full-blooded challenge between Federico Valverde and Frenkie de Jong left the latter grounded, and in evident pain.
After being seen to by the visitors’ medical staff, it quickly became clear that De Jong was in no condition to continue, stretchered from the field of play as a result.
Though it is as of yet unclear just how serious the issue is, based on the Dutchman’s expression, it would be a surprise if he is not facing up to another spell on the sidelines.
Conor Laird | GSFN
