BEVERLY HILLS, May 09, (THEWILL) – Catalan giants Barcelona may have to go the rest of the season without Sergio Busquets’ in the Matchday squad after the midfielder suffered a broken jaw in Saturday’s goalless deadlock with League leaders Atletico Madrid.
A strong head-to-head collision with Atleti defender Stefan Savic on the half-hour mark left the 32-year-old needing medical attention. He was initially allowed to continue but succumbed and appeared to be in grave discomfort when he left the pitch.
After medical diagnosis, Barça have confirmed that Busquets suffered a broken jaw from the collision. They were quick to assure fans that the midfielder was progressing favourably but he is now a major doubt for the squad for the rest of the season.
The official statement from the club read, in part: “Sergio has a facial contusion with an upper maxilla fracture and is progressing favourably. His recovery will determine his availability.”
A head injury protocol operative in La Liga enforces mandatory rest periods for any player in the league who suffers a concussion. According to the Barca statement, this was not the case for Busquets, whose post-match test results had no indication of a concussion.
Yet, he will be a major absence for Ronald Koeman’s side as he was for most of the Saturday fixture against Atletico. The final three games are crucial to their title aspirations, all of which they must now win and hope that results elsewhere turn out in their favour to be in the title fight until the end.
After Saturday’s results, La Blaugrana sit two points behind Atleti on the league’s standings. Real Madrid lie only a point behind while holding a game in hand, which is very much in Zinedine Zidane’s favour.
So far, Busquets has been a significant part of the balance of the Barça midfield. He brings the necessary reinforcements, adding a steel and sturdy heft needed for the more attacking stars to shine. On Saturday, that was lacking after he was subbed off. La Blaugrana allowed their visitors several good chances to win the game but for Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s alertness.
Koeman will have to work out a strategy to adopt for the midfield ahead of facing Levante on Tuesday evening and hope that they can resume their winning ways to keep what is left of their title pursuit alive.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
