Fermin Lopez left the field looking visibly distraught after Barcelona's league win against Getafe. The midfielder dropped to the pitch, holding his groin and the back of his leg, before leaving the field as coach Hansi Flick hugged him. The club have now received the test results, and the 20-year-old is slated to be sidelined for around three weeks.
Fermin Lopez out for three weeks
In the post-match press conference, coach Flick confirmed to the media that Lopez would be undergoing tests at the club's headquarters. The club have now released a statement confirming Lopez has an iliopsoas muscle injury in his left leg, which will keep him out of action for around three weeks. This comes as a big blow to the club, who are scheduled to face reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLopez was just finding his stride at Barcelona
Lopez left the pitch crying last night as Flick consoled him. The player rejected Chelsea's offer this summer in a bid to fight for a starting place at Barca. Things were looking bright, and the youngster had even scored two goals this season before last night's injury. The midfielder also recently displayed an impressive performance against Newcastle in the midweek clash. A starting spot against PSG might have been on the cards, given the number of injuries at the club, but these recent developments will now keep him out of the game. His injury further adds to Barca's long-list of ongoing injury crisis.
Barcelona's injury crisis
With Barcelona facing a congested schedule, navigating the unavailability of multiple star players will be a major hurdle for Flick in the upcoming games. Lamine Yamal's return will depend on his day-to-day progress, while Frenkie de Jong recently returned to match action after his gluteal discomfort, starting in both the fixtures against Newcastle and Getafe. Gavi's return date is also unknown, with the club still working on his rehabilitation and treatment.
Getty ImagesTesting times ahead for Barcelona
Barcelona will be playing three matches in just over a week. Flick's men will face Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad in the league on September 25 and 28, before hosting PSG in their Champions League fixture. The Spanish champions have performed well under intense pressure recently, but with mounting pressure and a squad plagued by injuries, this period before the international break will be a testing one for the Spanish club.