Barcelona faces a setback at a crucial point in the season as they lose Iñigo Martínez to injury.
Amid the joy of winning the Spanish Super Cup with a 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, Martínez’s injury casts a shadow over Barcelona’s celebrations. The Spanish defender has been ruled out for over a month with a hamstring injury.
During Sunday’s match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Martínez left the pitch in the 29th minute after feeling discomfort in his leg.
According to Spanish outlet SA, the 33-year-old has suffered a tear in the femoral biceps muscle of his right leg. Further tests will be conducted, but he is expected to be out for an extended period, dealing a significant blow to Barcelona.
Martínez has been a key player for Hansi Flick’s side this season, appearing in 27 out of the team’s 28 matches across all competitions.
In the match against Real Madrid, Ronald Araújo replaced Martínez. The Uruguayan defender, who was previously linked with a move to Juventus, saw those rumors dismissed by the Barcelona coach before the final. Araújo is now expected to play an even bigger role in Martínez’s absence.
Araújo himself recently returned from a long-term hamstring injury, making his comeback earlier this month in a Copa del Rey match. The Super Cup final was only his second match of the season.
Barcelona’s next challenge will be in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, where they face Real Betis on Wednesday.
