Barca’s Inigo Martinez to be sidelined till 2024
Ahead of Sunday’s clash against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona faced a defensive setback as Inigo Martinez was pulled from the starting XI due to discomfort during the warm-up.
The Catalan giants, who ultimately triumphed 1-0, assured fans at the time that the change was precautionary. However, subsequent tests reveal a right hamstring injury for Martinez, dealing a blow to Barcelona’s defensive prowess.
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The club’s official statement confirmed the injury: “Tests carried out have revealed that Íñigo Martínez has a right hamstring injury. He is out, and his recovery will determine his availability.” This revelation comes at a crucial juncture, considering Martinez’s stellar form in recent weeks and his pivotal role in the Blaugrana’s defensive setup.
Having overcome a fascia injury that lingered from the previous season, Martinez had established himself as a mainstay in the line-up, displacing Andreas Christensen to the bench.
While Barcelona remain tight-lipped about Martinez’s return timeline, a report from SPORT offers insight into the potential duration of his absence. Citing the nature of his hamstring injury, the report suggests that the Spanish international is unlikely to feature in any of Barcelona’s remaining matches in 2023. The upcoming games against Girona, Royal Antwerp, and Valencia will certainly be without Martinez’s defensive prowess.
While a slim possibility exists for his return in the game against Almeria before the Christmas break, Coach Xavi Hernandez is expected to exercise caution, avoiding any hasty comebacks and prioritizing Martinez’s full recovery even if it extends into the new year.
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Martinez is not alone in facing a prolonged absence from the field for Barcelona. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is also set to miss the remainder of 2023, echoing Martinez’s fate. Additionally, Gavi’s season has been abruptly halted due to injury, compounding Barcelona’s challenges in key positions.
As Barcelona navigate the complexities of their squad’s fitness, the absence of defensive linchpin Inigo Martinez adds a layer of uncertainty to their defensive solidity, requiring strategic adjustments as they look to maintain their positive momentum in La Liga.