A highly-regarded up-and-coming member of the youth ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has on Wednesday been dealt a heavy blow.
This comes by way of confirmation that he is in line for an extended spell on the sidelines, through injury.
The player in question? Dani Rodríguez.
Attacker Rodríguez, for his part, is fresh off a stellar summer, which saw his ongoing excellence rewarded by way of a new contract with Barcelona.
As much was swiftly followed by the youngster playing his part in Spain marching all the way to glory at the U19 European Championships, endeavours which had given rise to hopes that Rodríguez could play a part at senior level with the Blaugrana this season.
Safe to say, then, that his latest fitness setback could not have come at a worse time.
Rodríguez was for his part forced into a premature departure from Barca Atlètic’s pre-season meeting with Cornellà on Tuesday.
And, following a round of medical tests, the extent of his injury has been revealed.
As per a statement across Barca Atlètic’s website and social media platforms:
‘Barça Atlétic player, Dani Rodríguez, has a hamstring injury in his right leg. He will follow a conservative treatment plan and will be out for a period of approximately 3 months, although his evolution will mark his availability.’
Conor Laird | GSFN
