Key Barcelona midfielder will be available for Villarreal clash after Monaco injury concerns | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is set to be available for selection against Villarreal, following a recent injury scare during their clash with Monaco, as reported by AS.

The sight of Casado lying on the pitch in discomfort at the end of the match, with the club’s doctor, Ricard Pruna, rushing to his aid, raised concerns about the seriousness of his injury.

To make matters worse, the match had just ended, and Barcelona already had a long list of injured players, including Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Bernal.

The last thing the club needed was another player joining the injury list, especially with their squad already stretched thin.

There is nothing to worry

However, the initial medical assessment has provided relief for the team. Casado has only suffered a heavy knock to the ankle, which won’t prevent him from being available for the upcoming La Liga fixture against Villarreal.

Marc Casado suffered a knock against Monaco. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

This is a piece of good news for Hansi Flick, who cannot afford more absences in a squad already facing its share of adversity.

“Casado is fine and has only received a knock,” confirmed the manager after the match.

While Barcelona have shown resilience in handling injuries, the recent 1-2 defeat to Monaco left the team with a bitter aftertaste, and the German manager will be keen to avoid further complications.

Casado’s availability eases the pressure slightly for Flick, allowing him to keep most of his preferred starting eleven intact for the Villarreal match.

Additionally, Eric Garcia will be available as well, although Ferran Torres remains suspended. On the brighter side, Frenkie de Jong is expected to return to action next week after a lengthy recovery from a right ankle sprain.

Barcelona’s injury struggles have been a cause for concern, but Casado’s availability and the upcoming return of key players will be a welcome boost as they navigate the early part of the season.