Barcelona defender will take decision on surgery soon, could be out for two months

UEFA and FIFA’s absolute bizarre footballing calendar has messed up the health and well-being of footballers across the world as the number of injuries have spiked massively. Serious injuries like ACL tears, too, seem far more frequent.

Barcelona currently have five players out with an injury right now, and at no point this season, have had the entire squad fit and gunning for a place. This includes Gavi, who is out for the season with an ACL tear.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is not expected to return until February, and Inigo Martinez will only make his return after the break now. Pedri is the latest to join this list, and will likely be sidelined for another month.

Another headache for Barcelona is Marcos Alonso’s absence. The Spaniard picked up a back injury a few weeks ago, and could undergo surgery. He will take a final decision in a day or two, according to Helena Condis.

Out for two months

While Marcos Alonso is not an important player for Barcelona by any mean, a back surgery will rule him out for two months, at the minimum. His mere presence in the team is crucial given the lack of depth.

Barcelona have three natural full-backs in their ranks in Alejandro Balde, Joao Cancelo, and Alonso. Balde has been far from his best this season, which has prompted Xavi to use Cancelo off the left.

And with the rising injuries, Xavi needs as many hands on the table as possible, including youth players and out-of-favour veterans.

Alonso free agent next summer

That said, Alonso’s contract expires in the summer of 2024. While there were rumours of Barcelona trying to offload him in January, the 32-year-old wanted to continue. And anyway, offloading him now is next to impossible, anyway, due to his injury.

The Spaniard wants to stay at the Camp Nou beyond just the summer, as well, but Barcelona are desperate to make room in their wage bill, and will likely not entertain any surplus to requirements at this point.