Barcelona key defender goes out injured against Real Madrid
INA - SOURCES
Barcelona suffered another injury setback during their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, with Xavi Espart forced off in the 29th minute of the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season.
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The young defender had started at Spotify Camp Nou but was unable to continue after experiencing increasing discomfort, leaving Hansi Flick facing further uncertainty over his defensive options.
Alejandro Balde replaced Espart, while Joao Cancelo moved across to right-back.
Barcelona must now await medical tests to determine the extent of Espart’s injury and how long the academy graduate could be unavailable.
The defender had already experienced discomfort in his soleus muscle during the week leading up to El Clasico and received an injection before the game to help him play.
His condition appeared to worsen following contact with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni earlier in the match.