Rodri blow for Barcelona: star midfielder injured

Barcelona have announced that Rodri, who was injured in their 3-0 Champions League win over Aston Villa, has been diagnosed with a problem in his right hamstring. The star midfielder is expected to be sidelined for around a month.

Head coach Hansi Flick had said that the Spaniard, who was replaced by Marc Bernal at half-time against Aston Villa, asked to come off because he was feeling muscle pain. Following further tests, the extent of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner's injury has now become clear.

In an official statement, the Catalan club said: "Rodrigo Hernández underwent medical checks following the muscle problem he suffered in the Aston Villa match. The tests revealed a minor injury to his right hamstring. He will not be available for Sunday's match against Atlético Madrid. The player's return will depend on how his treatment progresses."

As a result of the injury, Rodri will miss the crucial league clash at the Metropolitano against Atlético Madrid, the club for whom he played 47 matches before joining Manchester City in 2019. It has also emerged that the Spanish star will be unavailable for Spain's Nations League matches.

Since his move from Manchester City, Rodri had made 14 appearances for Barcelona this season, 11 of them as a starter, and was leading his team in successful passes (1,082), touches (1,262) and successful tackles (15).

Barcelona, top of LaLiga 2 points ahead of Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid, have won their last 4 league matches away to their rivals. Should they win again on Sunday, the Catalan giants will become the third team in league history, after Athletic Club (1955) and Real Madrid (2013), to record 5 consecutive wins away at Atlético Madrid.