Barcelona have confirmed an injury to midfielder Rodri, depriving Hansi Flick of a key player ahead of the clash with Atlético Madrid and potentially affecting several more fixtures in the coming weeks.
The Spain international sustained the injury during the Champions League victory over Aston Villa and was withdrawn at half-time, with Marc Bernal replacing him for the second half.
Tests confirmed an injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his right hamstring. “His exact recovery time will depend on his progress,” Barcelona said in their statement.
Media estimates suggest he could be sidelined for between three weeks and a month. Mundo Deportivo reported an absence of around three weeks, while Sport put it at four. Barcelona have not announced an official return date.
Rodri will therefore miss the visit to Atlético Madrid on 8 November and is also expected to sit out the Villarreal match on 22 November. The European meeting with Sabah Baku on 25 November falls around the end of the shorter recovery estimate, leaving his availability dependent on medical clearance and match fitness.
Should his absence extend to a month, he could also miss Deportivo La Coruña on 29 November and the rearranged league fixture against Atlético Madrid, brought forward to 1 or 2 December. That would take his potential absence to five Barcelona matches.
The injury will also rule him out of Spain’s November camp, which includes matches against Czechia and England on 12 and 15 November respectively. He will instead continue his rehabilitation away from international duty.
His importance is reflected in Flick’s reliance on him this season. Rodri has started 11 of Barcelona’s 15 competitive matches, partnering Pedri in 10 and forming a midfield pairing with Gavi against Real Betis.
The fixtures against Celta Vigo on 5 or 6 December and Manchester City in the Champions League on 8 December fall beyond the estimated recovery period. His involvement will nevertheless depend on completing his recovery and regaining match fitness.
