FC Barcelona Confirms Sergio Busquets Injury Absence In Huge Blow To Xavi’s Team

FC Barcelona have confirmed an injury suffered by captain Sergio Busquets, which has come as a huge blow to Xavi Hernandez’s team.

The skipper was sent to the Camp Nou turf early in a La Liga meeting with Sevilla on Sunday evening and limped off the pitch after Jordi Alba was handed the armband.

Barca thankfully went on to become 3-0 winners against the Andalusians, with a goal and assist from an outstanding Alba helping fire them eight points clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Spanish top flight summit.

Before the half time whistle sounded, various reports led by Cadena SER claimed that Busquets’ camp said the injury would keep the 2010 World Cup winner out for up to three weeks.

On Monday, Barca have confirmed the injury through a statement as it continues to be insisted that ‘Busi’ will miss at least a fortnight’s worth of matches and three weeks at the most.

“Tests carried out this morning have revealed that Sergio Busquets has a lateral collateral ligament sprain in his left ankle,” the statement read. “He is out and his recovery will determine his availability.”

Even if Busquets only misses two weeks, this is still a setback for the Blaugrana with a Europa League playoff first leg set to be played at home against PremierPINC
League giants Manchester United on February 16.

Busquets is also certain to miss Sunday’s trip to Villarreal plus a home meeting with Cadiz on the 19th in La Liga while touch-and-go for the return leg against United at Old Trafford on the 23rd.

This may disrupt Xavi’s plans to opt for a four man midfield which has enjoyed great success in recent weeks and has been pivotal to their dominance in La Liga while the coach believes his charges can win all the trophies they have left to fight for.

Against Sevilla, however, an impressive display by Franck Kessie, who replaced Busquets and provided a superb assist for Jordi Alba’s opening goal, gave the club legend something to think about from the dugout.

With the Ivorian on the pitch, he and Pedri seemed to switch between accompanying Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot that the Dutchman has hinted is where he feels most comfortable.