Why Vitor Roque missed Barcelona vs Osasuna, as status for Real Madrid clash confirmed | OneFootball

A timely update on the wellbeing of Barcelona star Vitor Roque has come to the fore late on Saturday evening.

Frontman Roque, fresh off his long-awaited arrival at Barcelona, was named on the bench for the Blaugrana’s Super Cup meeting with Osasuna in midweek.

As much was widely expected, with Robert Lewandowski maintaining first-choice striker status in Xavi’s squad.

What was not anticipated, however, was Roque failing to even make it onto the pitch in Riyadh.

After being afforded cameos in each of Barca’s previous two outings, it came as something of a surprise when the Brazilian was not introduced once more, amid his side’s pursuit of a crucial 2nd goal.

A full 48 hours later, though, an explanation for as much has at long last been provided.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, who have revealed that Roque finished Barcelona’s Copa del Rey downing of Barbastro last weekend complaining of muscular discomfort in his left leg.

The youngster therefore sat out training across the week to date, the reasoning behind his lack of minutes against Osasuna.

In a boost for Xavi and co. with a view to Sunday, though, it is added that Roque marked his return to full training this afternoon, and should as a result be available for selection against Real Madrid in 24 hours’ time.

Conor Laird | GSFN