FC Barcelona defender Xavi Espart faces seven-week injury layoff

FC Barcelona defender Xavi Espart is expected to be sidelined for approximately seven weeks due to a syndesmosis injury in his right ankle. The injury occurred during a LaLiga match against Real Madrid following contact with Aurélien Tchouameni.

The medical report confirmed the injury resulted from a traumatic action during the match. Espart had previously dealt with ankle issues following a Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, but the contact in the Clásico necessitated his substitution.

This injury exacerbates a defensive crisis for manager Hansi Flick. With Espart, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, and Jules Koundé unavailable, the squad faces significant depth issues. Flick noted that the situation is “not easy to manage,” as the team must navigate upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League match against Aston Villa, with limited defensive options.