Official: Barcelona confirm thigh injury to veteran defender

Just as Inigo Martinez had returned from a spell on the sidelines, the veteran defender has succumbed to a fresh thigh injury, Barcelona have officially confirmed.

The 33-year-old Spanish international suffered a muscle injury last month, just before the game against Atletico Madrid and went on to miss a string of matches.

Having returned to full fitness at the turn of the year, the defender was named in the squad for Sunday’s Copa del Rey clash against UD Barbastro.

Martinez came onto the pitch in the second half to replace Andreas Christensen, but his stay was short-lived as he sustained yet another injury.

“Tests have shown that the first team player Inigo Martinez has a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of the left thigh. He is out and his evolution will determine his availability,” the statement from the club has confirmed.

While the Blaugrana have not specified Martinez’s potential recovery timeline, it is being reported that the Spaniard could now be out for another four to five weeks, which comes as a blow for Barcelona.

After all, prior to his injury last month, the ex-Athletic Club defender had been in good nick and was making a strong impression.

Furthermore, with Barcelona struggling in defence, having an experienced campaigner like him would have come in handy. However, Xavi & co. must now cope without Martinez for another month or so.