Barcelona midfielder not completely ruled out of Manchester United clash – report

Barcelona were dealt with a massive blow earlier today when the club confirmed that Sergio Busquets has picked up a fresh ankle injury.

The midfielder had picked up the knock during Barcelona’s game against Sevilla, where the Catalans won 3-0. Busquets’ fresh injury has drawn immediate fears over the veteran potentially missing the upcoming UEFA Europa League knockout round fixture against Manchester United.

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on Busquets’ fitness. It confirms that the midfielder had undergone tests this morning. His sprained ankle means the veteran could be out for around two or three weeks.

Despite this, the report does not rule out the possibility of Busquets featuring in the first-leg encounter against Manchester United, to be played later this month.

Barcelona face Man United in the Europa League on February 16, exactly ten days from now. The game will take place just before the expected return of Busquets, but there is still a possibility that the midfielder will be fit enough to feature in the contest, by receiving an injection in the affected area.

However, Busquets featuring in the contest against Man United would represent a major risk of the player potentially aggravating his injury. Therefore, the Barcelona coaching staff and the medical staff are unlikely to exercise that option.

Fortunately for Xavi, one of the team’s other star midfielders in Frenkie de Jong has performed admirably this season and is more than likely to take on the role of Busquets in the number six position.

De Jong is likely to accompany Gavi and Pedri in Barcelona’s second line of press, when they take on Manchester United at the end of next week. Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie are set to serve as alternatives.