Barcelona defender out of Spanish Super Cup after injury relapse, sidelined for 4-5 weeks | OneFootball

Barcelona’s misfortune continued on Sunday night. Despite securing a narrow 3-2 victory over UD Barbastro in Copa del Rey, the Catalans lost yet another played due to injury.

Inigo Martinez, who was making his return after a month-long injury layoff, appeared as a substitute for Andreas Christensen around the hour mark.

However, roughly ten minutes after coming on, the veteran defender aggravated his existing knock. As a result, the defender had to be subbed off at the 75th-minute mark.

Inigo Martinez to be out for 4-5 weeks

The fresh relapse in his injury means Inigo Martinez is staring at another period on the sidelines.

According to Toni Juanmarti, Martinez could be out for a period of around 4-5 weeks. The defender looks certain to miss the upcoming Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

This serves as yet another blow for Barcelona, who had lost out on the services of Martinez throughout December owing to a hamstring injury.

The former Athletic Club defender ended up missing five competitive matches. In those five matches, Barcelona were able to secure only two victories.

Martinez set for another spell on the sidelines. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Martinez aspiring to return vs Napoli

Toni Juanmarti has also set a potential return date for Inigo Martinez, who is apparently eyeing a return next month against Napoli.

Barcelona take on Napoli in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds on 21st February. Curiously, another injured player eyeing a return in this game is Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Juanmarti adds that Martinez should return to full fitness before the Napoli clash, but he may require some game-time in prior matches against Granada or Celta.

More details regarding Inigo Martinez’s fitness may come to light in the coming weeks, as Barcelona run diagnostics on the player.