Overview: Injury crisis in Barcelona’s attack

Football clubs across Europe are suffering major setbacks since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic across several spheres. While most are struggling financially, there are issues concerning fitness levels. Real Madrid, for example, suffered 50+ injuries last season.

Barcelona, too, were one of the teams to go through a similar problem, but it seems it will only increase this season. Following the international tournaments in the summer, players have not had the opportunity to unwind before joining their respective clubs for the 2021/22 season.

As it stands, Barça have four players out injured in their offensive setup alone. Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring setback during the European Championship with France and is touted to be out till November.

Meanwhile, new signing Sergio Aguero is yet to make his debut in the garnet and blue. An injury-prone player, the Argentine won the Copa America with Argentina in the summer but picked up an injury in training that will see him sidelined till November as well.

Meanwhile, star boy Ansu Fati is still reeling from the injury he suffered against Real Betis last season. After undergoing three surgeries, the Spaniard is finally close to returning, but the club has no intention to rush him back. Fans can expect him out till late November or even mid-December if push comes to shove.

The latest name to register himself on the doctor’s list is Martin Braithwaite. The Dane started the season spectacularly, scoring a brace against Real Sociedad, but took a knock to his knee, which had to be operated on. Now out for another 3-4 months, Barcelona’s attack has started to look very bleak.

Ronald Koeman has three out-and-out forwards in the squad list for the Bayern Munich clash — Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong, and Yusuf Demir. While Philippe Coutinho and Pedri can fill in as wingers if need be, this speaks volumes about the poor planning on the UEFA’s part.

Several players have voiced their concerns regarding the increasingly hectic schedule proposed by FIFA and UEFA, and Sergio Busquets is the latest player to speak up about the plans to host the World Cup every two years.