Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto sidelined: Two-week injury blow

The Catalan giants, fresh from their Copa del Rey  4-2 exit at the hands of Athletic Club, brace themself for a La Liga clash against Villarreal on Saturday (today) at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona. 

Roberto, who entered the fray as a substitute during the fateful encounter, hobbled off with a worrisome injury post-match, leaving fans anxious about his absence.

As Diario Sport confirms, Roberto's injury will keep him out of action against Villarreal and is expected to keep him off the pitch until mid-February. This unfortunate circumstance means he's likely to miss crucial league matches against Osasuna and Alaves.

While his return hinges on his recovery progress, there's optimism that he could make a comeback for the clash against Granada on February 11.

In Roberto's absence, the talented Jules Kounde is anticipated to continue in the right-back role, with Hector Fort emerging as another viable option for Barcelona.

The setback poses a challenge for Barcelona as they navigate through a demanding season, underscoring the significance of maintaining depth and adaptability within their squad.

Read More: Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo reacts to Copa del Rey exit (planetsport.com)