Injury update: Barcelona defender will be out for 4 months | OneFootball

Versatile Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Mundo Deportivo reports.

The 29-year-old had been sidelined with a thigh injury since late October. Even though he briefly returned to training last month and even made the bench for Barca’s 1-0 win over Espanyol, the injury has struck again and the La Masia product is now likely to be out for an extended period.

According to the report, Roberto needs surgery on his injured right thigh and he will be flying out to Turku, Finland on December 8th for the procedure. The Catalans’ fourth captain will be operated on by Dr Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the club’s medical team on the 9th, i.e., Thursday.

While an official timeline over his recovery has not been provided, Mundo Deportivo reports that injuries and surgeries of this nature are likely to sideline a player for a period of four months, putting Roberto’s potential return around March end or early April next year.

The Spanish international has played 12 times this season, scoring two goals and registering an assist as well. However, his prolonged absence is unlikely to be a major issue for Xavi Hernandez & co.

In Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza and Dani Alves, who will be eligible to play from next month, there is enough cover in the right-back department. At the same time, Barcelona also have enough depth and quality in midfield as well.

As for Roberto, the injury and the subsequent surgery will come as a setback as he hoped to play his way back into the team and earn himself a new contract. The 29-year-old’s current deal with Barcelona runs out at the end of the season and, as things stand, a renewal could be off the table, with the academy graduate expected to pack up and leave in the summer.