Bad news for Barcelona, 3 days before the Super Cup: two players have physical problems

Barcelona will have this Thursday the first decisive match of the 2023/24 season: they will face Osasuna in Saudi Arabia, for the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup. They know they cannot fail, as a defeat will prevent them from reaching the final for the first title of the year, against the winner between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

That's why coach Xavi Hernandez wants to have all his players fit for this match. But that will not happen. On Sunday, Los Blaugranas made their Copa del Rey debut against Barbastro, a team from Spain's fourth division, and won 3-2 to advance to the round of 16. However, it wasn't all good news, as Iñigo Martinez was barely able to play 10 minutes before being replaced due to a muscle problem.

This Monday he underwent medical tests and the results were disappointing. This was communicated by the club through a statement shared on social media: "The tests performed have shown that the first team player Iñigo Martinez has a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of the left thigh. He is out and his evolution will mark his availability."

Martinez is not the only one in trouble. According to Sport, in Monday's training session Xavi Hernandez encountered an unexpected problem: Ilkay Gundogan was unable to train with his teammates due to an indisposition. However, the situation does not seem to be serious and the German midfielder will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia after Tuesday's practice.

There is also good news

Despite the bad news about Iñigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan, Xavi Hernández has reason to be happy. This is because in Monday's training session Pedri was able to work out with his teammates and has a chance to be part of the squad that will travel to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Spanish Super Cup against Osasuna.