Barcelona's Xavi Espart out for seven weeks with ankle injury

Barcelona have confirmed that Xavi Espart will be out for around seven weeks with an ankle injury, another setback in defence for the La Liga leaders. According to Yahoo Sports, the player was hurt in the 29th minute of the Clasico against Real Madrid and was replaced by Balde. Barcelona sit top of the table on 27 points from 10 matches, and Alaves, Atletico and Aston Villa are among the fixtures that follow.

How long will Xavi Espart be out?

ESPN reports that Barcelona's Xavi Espart will be out for around seven weeks with an ankle injury. The outlet describes it as another setback in defence for Barcelona.

According to Yahoo Sports, Espart is set to miss nine first-team fixtures, including Atletico on 8 November. GOAL adds that Espart faces seven weeks sidelined, which will affect Barcelona's matches in La Liga and the Champions League. GOAL also lists Barcelona's next fixtures as Alaves, Atletico and Aston Villa.

How did Espart get injured in the Clasico?

GOAL reports that Espart's ankle injury came from a collision with Tchouameni in the Clasico. According to Yahoo Sports, Espart was injured in the 29th minute of the match and was replaced by Balde.

Yahoo Sports also notes that Espart started nine matches this season and plays at left-back and in midfield. He scored his first Champions League goal against PSG. GOAL adds that his technical ability and versatility make him a key player for Flick.

How is Barcelona's form before the next fixtures?

Yahoo Sports reports that Barcelona lost 4-2 to PSG and 2-1 to Real Madrid, reducing their lead in the table to two points. GOAL puts Barcelona two points above Atletico in La Liga.

The La Liga table shows Barcelona currently top with 27 points from 10 matches, with 9 wins and 1 defeat and a goal difference of +29. GOAL writes that Barcelona need to manage the injury crisis to protect their chances in the fixtures ahead.

Who can Flick pick in defence now?

Yahoo Sports says Espart's injury complicates Flick's defensive selection at Barcelona, with Christensen, Kounde and Garcia also out. GOAL adds that Eric Garcia is out until the international break and Jules Kounde has left ankle issues.

According to GOAL, Flick relies on Alejandro Balde because right-back options are thin, and the injury adds pressure on that selection. Yahoo Sports also lists Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji as missing for Barcelona, adding to the list of absences.