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Ankle injury: Xavi Espart sidelined for seven weeks after Clasico

Injured during Barcelona's defeat to Real Madrid (1-2), Xavi Espart has suffered a right ankle syndesmosis injury. The left-back will be unavailable for approximately seven weeks and is not expected to play again in 2026.

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Ankle injury: Xavi Espart sidelined for seven weeks after Clasico
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FC Barcelona confirmed on Monday the injury to Xavi Espart, who was forced to leave the pitch after half an hour of play during the Clasico lost to Real Madrid (1-2). Tests carried out immediately revealed a right ankle syndesmosis injury, with an estimated unavailability of seven weeks.

The young left-back, replaced by Alejandro Balde during the match, should therefore not play again before 2026. The news comes at the worst possible time for Hansi Flick, whose team is going through a difficult week after also falling to PSG in the Ligue des Champions (2-4), ending a run of eleven consecutive victories across all competitions.

Barcelona’s injury list continues to grow. Flick must already manage without Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen. Xavi Espart’s injury further reduces the German coach’s defensive options for the upcoming fixtures.

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