Barcelona lose Espart for seven weeks

Barcelona have confirmed that Xavi Espart will miss approximately seven weeks after sustaining an ankle syndesmosis injury during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid.

The defender was forced off around the half-hour mark following a collision with Aurelien Tchouameni during a 50-50 challenge. Alejandro Balde replaced him.

Espart is expected to remain sidelined until late December, ruling him out for a period and the Champions League meeting with Manchester City.

The injury arrives at an unfortunate moment for the full-back, who had regained an important role in Barcelona’s plans. Espart started four of the club’s previous five matches after the international break, including an performance against PSG, despite defeat, when he scored his Champions League goal.

Barcelona must find a solution to his absence during a period of the season.