Bad news for Barcelona ahead of a.netly awaited Clasico against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou. The Canary midfielder has been ruled out of the match due to illness in training on Friday morning, casting new doubt over his availability for a high-stakes league showdown. The news arrives as the club prepares for one of its most scrutinized fixtures of the season, and it compounds concerns about the squad’s depth for a game that could decisively shape the title race. The player’s absence is felt not only on the pitch but also in the broader tactical plan the team has been building in recent weeks.
The setback is a blow for the coaching staff, who rely on the midfielder to bring energy, balance, and creativity to the middle of the park. While there is a clear emphasis on protecting the player from any relapse, the coaching group remains focused on pursuing victory with the squad available. This balance between risk and reward will guide the matchday selections, with the team prepared to adapt if the medical reports evolve in the hours before kickoff.
The midfielder picked up a right thigh rectus femoris injury in the 40th minute of the Europa League clash against Manchester United at Spotify Camp Nou. The initial assessments confirmed the nature of the injury, and the club has since followed a cautious rehab protocol aimed at safeguarding the long-term welfare of the player while aiming to return him to action as soon as clinically possible. This kind of injury often requires a careful rehab window to ensure full recovery before any further exertion, especially in a congested run of fixtures.
In the wake of the incident, the player has remained in contact with medical staff and has stayed engaged with the group during the recovery period. He began a structured return-to-training plan the moment the rehabilitation phase allowed, and he rejoined team sessions as soon as he was medically cleared to participate. The adherence to a steady progression—combining light ball work, controlled runs, and supervised loads—highlights the club’s disciplined approach to avoiding setbacks that could derail a potential comeback. The plan also includes monitoring by specialists to ensure the timing aligns with peak fitness before reintroducing competitive minutes. He has since appeared in ongoing light training segments, with progress reported by the club as part of the daily medical updates.
During the holiday period, continuous effort was made to push the rehabilitation forward while respecting the player’s physical limits. The individual rejoined the group training on March 13 and subsequently took steps toward more integrated sessions. By Thursday, the player was in the group workouts, and Friday was anticipated as a day to resume normal training rhythms, pending medical clearance. The rehabilitation process has been carefully choreographed to reflect a measured return to full competitiveness, with a recent span of six matches missed in the month underscoring the importance of patience and precision. This is especially relevant given the demanding schedule and the need to preserve the player’s long-term form for both club and national team duties, should the opportunity arise.
There is cautious optimism surrounding the player’s status. Consultations with Sport from the Prensa Ibérica network and members of the Spanish federation indicate that no definitive injury notice had been issued yet, and the squad roster currently included the player. Still, the situation remains fluid, and updates could shift in the hours or minutes ahead. The club remains focused on a pragmatic approach, prepared to adjust selections if new information emerges from medical examinations or training performance. The evolving scenario has kept fans and analysts watching closely, as any change could reshape the tactical balance and substitution options available to the manager for the upcoming Klassiker. (Source: Sport, Prensa Ibérica)