Barcelona have confirmed that Rodri Hernández has a minor injury to the hamstring in his right leg. The midfielder will miss Sunday’s match against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano, where Barcelona will be looking to defend their lead in La Liga.
Rodri is also set to miss Spain’s November fixtures against the Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday the 12th and England on Sunday the 15th. Barcelona said the length of his recovery will depend on how the injury progresses.
He began feeling discomfort late in the first half of Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa but continued until the break. After speaking with coach Hansi Flick and the medical staff, he was replaced by Marc Bernal. Flick had said after the match that Rodri had felt muscle discomfort and that the club would have to wait for further assessment.
Rodri’s absence adds to Barcelona’s injury list, which includes Jules Koundé, Eric García, Andreas Christensen, Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji. Eric García has started training with the group as he recovers from a right-thigh injury and could travel to Madrid, though he is not expected to start. Christensen is nearing the end of his recovery from a muscle injury, while Koundé is still dealing with the ankle sprain he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain.
Frenkie de Jong is one option to partner Pedri in midfield in Rodri’s absence, with Bernal another possibility. Gavi is also waiting for an opportunity.
Sources: El País Deportes.