Injury update: Barcelona centre-back in team training today, will be ready for Copa del Rey clash

Much like several other top teams this season, Barcelona have been hit by a fair few injuries that have derailed their season a fair bit. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri early in the season, followed by Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s back problems, and worst of all, Gavi’s ACL tear.

This, coupled with Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde’s worrying form over the last couple months has sent Barcelona spiralling against several teams, resulting in dropped points and horrid performances.

Amidst all of this, one player’s absence that has flown under the radar is Inigo Martinez. The Spaniard was in excellent form before picking up an injury, and has been sidelined since early December.

He was among Barcelona’s best players as they narrowly beat Porto, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Club during a tough run of fixtures. He also put in solid performances against Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk despite defeats.

Fortunately for Barça, Inigo is closing in on a return. He was back in team training today, and is expected to be in the squad list for the Copa del Rey clash against Union Deportiva Barbastro.

Iñigo Martínez is back in training
pic.twitter.com/khwf7mzri5

— Bᴀʀᴄ̧ᴀVᴇʀsᴇ (@BarcaVerse_) January 6, 2024

Important for Spanish Super Cup

Inigo had a rather forgettable debut and couple of games, early on, including a miserable performance against Mallorca as Barcelona drew 2-2.

The Spaniard followed it up with a spectacular showing against Athletic Club a month later, and became a regular feature in the side since as Xavi used him as a left centre-back with Jules Kounde playing as a right-back.

With most of the defence in poor form, Inigo’s return is significant for Barcelona, who will take on Osasuna in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals on Thursday. Winning the competition in Riyadh could be a huge morale boost for the team ahead of the second half of the season.

It remains to be seen if Xavi chooses to start Inigo from the get-go tomorrow and rest Araujo and Kounde.