Xavi’s plans against Sevilla on Sunday night lasted just five minutes. Sergio Busquets had to withdraw through injury, due to a badly sprained ankle.
Busquets was replaced by midfielder Franck Kessié and sources contacted by Mundo Deportivo suggest that he could be out for 2-3 weeks.
The captain went to win the ball when Youssef En-Nesyri stepped on his right foot. Busquets reacted by withdrawing his foot, unfortunately twisting his ankle in the process.
Doctor Ricard Pruna immediately ran to the veteran player and ordered a substitution. Xavi brought on Kessié and Busquets left the field of play with the game still at 0-0.
If Busquets is out for 2-3 weeks, he could miss Barcelona’s Europa League ties against Manchester United this month, with the Blaugrana facing Erik ten Hag’s in-form side at Camp Nou on 16 February and at Old Trafford on 23 February.
Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners on the night, extending their lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table with goals from Jordi Alba, Gavi and Raphinha.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
