In a concerning development for FC Barcelona, young defender Pau Cubarsí suffered an ankle injury during Spain’s Nations League quarterfinal against the Netherlands on Thursday in Rotterdam.
Spain’s Young Star Pau Cubarsi Suffers Setback – What It Means for Barcelona
The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, saw Cubarsí substituted in the 41st minute after an aerial collision with Dutch forward Memphis Depay.
Cubarsí, 18, has been instrumental in Barcelona’s defense this season, amassing over 3,000 minutes on the pitch. His premature exit adds to the growing list of defensive concerns for the Catalan club.
Manager Hansi Flick is already grappling with injuries to key players, including Inigo Martinez, who is sidelined for approximately four weeks due to a right hamstring injury sustained during the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid.
Additionally, midfielder Marc Casado is expected to be out for two to three months after suffering a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a league match against Atlético Madrid.
The timing of Cubarsí’s injury is particularly challenging, as Barcelona is set to face Osasuna in La Liga next week. With Ronald Araújo on international duty with Uruguay, Flick’s defensive options are notably limited.
The potential absence of Cubarsí could compel the manager to rely on less experienced players or adjust his tactical approach to mitigate the defensive gaps.
In the match against the Netherlands, Cubarsí’s substitution led to the debut of 19-year-old Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
Born in Amsterdam but raised in Malaga, Huijsen chose to represent Spain at the senior level, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
As of now, there has been no official update on the severity of Cubarsí’s injury.
Barcelona supporters and the club’s medical team are anxiously awaiting further assessments to determine the extent of the damage and an estimated recovery timeline.
Given the team’s current injury woes, a swift return for Cubarsí would be a significant boost.
The club’s immediate focus will be on providing the necessary medical support to Cubarsi, hoping for a speedy recovery. Fans worldwide share in the concern, sending their best wishes to the young defender during this challenging period.
