Did FC Barcelona perhaps pay too much for their away win at Atletico Madrid? Marc Casado, one of the Catalans’ whiz kids, is facing a lay-off of up to two months.
The hot phase of the season is slowly beginning for FC Barcelona. In addition to the Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, in which the Catalans are the clear favorites, there is still a close fight for the championship and the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.
On April 2, Barcelona will have to travel to Atletico Madrid after the spectacular 4-4 first leg. The important league clash at the Metropolitano already took place on Sunday evening. Trailing 2-0, the Blaugrana turned up in the final stages and scored four goals to successfully defend the league lead. But has coach Hansi Flick’s team paid dearly for their 19th La Liga victory?
In addition to center back Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado also injured his knee – and possibly badly. Barcelona already confirmed on Monday that the midfielder had a ligament injury in his right knee and referred to further examinations. According to media reports, however, it looks like a torn lateral ligament. The only question left, then, is whether Casado will need surgery or not.
Strong partnership with Pedri
It would be a massive setback for Flick. The 21-year-old has regularly earned the trust of the starting lineup after a strong summer preparation – and justified it. Casado apparently sustained the injury in a collision with Antoine Griezmann during the first half. Casado gritted his teeth, but had to be replaced by Eric in the 67th minute.
The season on the fast track threatens to end badly: Casado has already played 36 times this season, scoring one goal and setting up six more. Together with Pedri, he organized the midfield as a regular player at Weltklub.
He had truly earned his first two appearances for the senior Spanish national team in November. But there will be no more for the time being: after the injury-related cancellation, national coach Luis de la Fuente called up Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia on Monday.
