Barcelona face a major setback as full-back set to miss Europa League clash vs Frankfurt

In what could be a major blow for Barcelona, they are set to be without Sergino Dest for the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie against Eintracht Frankfurt this Thursday.

Indeed, Mundo Deportivo reports that the 21-year-old USMNT international will not be fit in time for the crucial midweek clash against the Bundesliga outfit.

Dest had been in good form in recent weeks and had played an important hand in Barça’s progress in the UEFA Europa League. However, he suffered a thigh injury in the Round of 16 second-leg tie against Galatasaray, from which point he has been sidelined.

It has been claimed that manager Xavi Hernandez has been left heavily impressed by the improvement that the former Ajax ace has shown in recent weeks. But the injury comes as a setback for the defender as well as the Blaugrana.

Dest missed the weekend clash against Sevilla in La Liga, which the Catalans 1-0. And the report states that the American right-back did not train with the rest of the team on Monday, effectively ruling him out of the midweek contest.

With Dest sidelined and Dani Alves not registered in the UEFA Europa League squad, the right-back slot becomes somewhat of a concern for Barcelona ahead of the game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

It should pave the way for Ronald Araujo to get the nod as the right-sided full-back against the German outfit.

The Uruguayan played in the position in the El Clasico triumph against Real Madrid prior to the international break and will have to essay the role again this Thursday. It would mean Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia are likely to pair up at the heart of the Barcelona defence.

As for Dest, he will be hoping to get back to full fitness soon and return to action for the business end of the campaign.