Barcelona could recover injured defender for Copa del Rey clash vs Valencia | OneFootball

Barcelona could soon welcome back key defender Inigo Martinez as he edges closer to full fitness following a hamstring injury.

Reports from SPORT suggest that the experienced centre-back has options to return either in the Copa del Rey clash against Valencia or the league fixture against Sevilla.

Martinez sustained the injury during Barcelona’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. The club later confirmed that he had suffered a hamstring tear in his right leg.

Initially, concerns were high that he could be out for more than a month. However, the club clarified that his recovery period was expected to last four weeks.

This injury was a significant setback for the team, as Martinez has been a vital component in Hansi Flick’s defensive setup.

The 33-year-old has formed a rock-solid partnership with young Pau Cubarsi, making Barcelona’s backline one of the toughest to breach this season.

Encouraging news for Barcelona

Encouragingly, Martinez’s recovery appears to be progressing faster than initially anticipated.

Inigo Martinez could recover in time. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Though he is set to miss the upcoming game against Alaves, there is growing optimism that he could make the squad for the Copa del Rey match against Valencia on February 6.

If not, he is expected to be ready for the critical league encounter against Sevilla on February 9.

Important for Barcelona

Martinez’s leadership on the pitch has been invaluable. Though not officially the team captain, his commanding presence and composure at the back have earned him immense respect from teammates and fans alike.

His understanding with Cubarsi has provided Barcelona with defensive stability, while Ronald Araujo’s adaptability has allowed Flick to maintain flexibility at the back.

A swift return for Martinez would be a massive boost for Barcelona as they navigate crucial fixtures in both domestic and cup competitions. His presence on the field could once again solidify the defence, ensuring Barcelona remains competitive on all fronts.