Barcelona defender not ruled out for the season, could return against Espanyol next month

When Sergi Roberto suffered an injury during the game against Getafe earlier this month, it was believed that the Barcelona defender might have played his last game for the season.

The 31-year-old sustained a hamstring injury while playing against the Azulones and had to be taken off even though he tried to soldier on with the pain for some time. Soon after it had emerged that the versatile defender’s season might be done following the injury.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, that is not the case and Roberto could still make a return before the 2022/23 campaign ends.

In fact, the report states that Barcelona have earmarked the Catalan derby against Espanyol in May as the day for their second club captain’s comeback from a spell on the sidelines.

Barcelona will take on Espanyol in mid-May at Estadi Cornellà-El Prat in matchweek 34 of La Liga, a game where they could end up sealing the league title triumph.

And, Roberto, if his recovery goes as per the current plans, could be back in time to feature against the Blaugrana’s local rivals in the Catalan derby.

Despite being several question marks over his utility, Roberto has enjoyed the trust of manager Xavi Hernandez this season and has played 30 games, scoring four goals and setting up three more in all competitions.

Roberto even signed a one-year contract with Barcelona, extending his stay at the club until 2024. The manager is understood to value the 31-year-old’s ability to play in midfield and at right-back as well as his tactical understanding.

It remains to be seen if Roberto does indeed return to action next month or Xavi decides not to risk rushing him back given his past tryst with injuries.

Apart from Roberto, both Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen have resumed team training and could be back as early as this weekend when the Catalans face Real Betis.