KEY POINTS

  • Barcelona defeated Sevilla 3-0 on Sunday
  • The Catalans have won 17 out of their 20 league outings
  • Barca are eight points clear at the top of La Liga table

FC Barcelona suffered a setback in their 3-0 win over Sevilla on Sunday as their skipper Sergio Busquets limped off the field due to an injury.

Just four minutes after the kick-off at Camp Nou, Busquets went down following a clash with Sevilla striker En-Nesyri. Busquets, who twisted his left ankle, was immediately attended by Barcelona's medical team before being replaced by Franck Kessie.

Following a loose pass from center-back Jules Kounde, Busquets quickly went to recover the possession on the ground and in the process, he collided with the opposition striker who also went for the ball.

While the extent of Busquets' injury is not known yet, there is speculation that the midfielder has picked up a Grade II ankle sprain, which could keep him out of action for two to three weeks. If that is so, Barcelona would be without their skipper when they host Manchester United in a Europa League clash next week.

The Red Devils will travel to Barcelona for the first leg of Europa League playoffs at Camp Nou on Feb. 16.

Busquets is expected to miss at least three matches because of the latest injury. Apart from the meeting with Manchester United, Barcelona will be without the veteran player for their La Liga games against Villarreal and Cadiz.

The Catalan club went eight points clear at the top of the 2022-23 La Liga table following their 3-0 win over Sevilla and Real Madrid's 1-0 loss at Mallorca.

Busquets, who has been playing senior soccer for Barcelona since 2008, rarely suffers injuries. Having made over 700 competitive appearances for Barcelona, the defensive midfielder has missed just 14 games due to injury.

The 34-year-old Spanish player is an integral part of Barcelona's midfield and has played 17 out of his side's 20 league games in the ongoing season.

The attendance at Camp Nou on Wednesday broke a world record for a women's football match as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2.
Barcelona defeated Sevilla 3-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday AFP / Josep LAGO

Xavi Hernandez-managed Barcelona have kickstarted 2023 on a high, having won all their 10 matches across competitions. They have a much superior goal difference from arch-rivals Real Madrid and have won 17 out of their 20 league games, including their last five matches.

Soccer