Barcelona given huge boost as Mallorca set to miss out on key midfielder ahead of La Liga opener | OneFootball

After a successful pre-season, Barcelona are gearing up for the start of the new season, with the club slated to take on Mallorca in the opening match this weekend.

The club are heading into the game with a few setbacks, with Inigo Martinez moving to Saudi Arabia and Robert Lewandowski picking up an injury.

The registration of Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, which is still yet to be completed, remains another glaring overhang for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona given major boost

However, Barcelona have been given a slight boost heading into this league opener as Mallorca have been dealt a fresh injury blow.

According to Diario AS, Mallorca will be without one of their key midfielders, Samu Costa, for the season opener.

The Portuguese international suffered a knee injury during the City of Palma Trophy match against Hamburg, going down in the 13th minute with visible pain.

The absence of Samu Costa could be a big blow for Mallorca (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Subsequent medical tests confirmed that the injury is not serious, as the player has been diagnosed with a bruise with swelling in his left knee.

However, it will sideline him for the clash against Barcelona. The setback will also not affect any potential transfer, with the player reportedly attracting lucrative offers in the remaining days of the window.

Costa’s absence leaves a significant gap in Mallorca’s midfield setup. The 23-year-old was a central figure for the Balearic side last season, combining defensive steel with box-to-box energy.

In his absence, coach Jagoba Arrasate is expected to field Omar Mascarell and Manu Morlanes as a double pivot.

This, in turn, could significantly aid Barcelona as the club look to dominate the proceedings with their superiority in the middle of the park.