Injuries and physical problems are once again proving to be a scourge for FC Barcelona at the start of this 2026-27 season. The Blaugranes have seen several of their important players miss game time due to injuries, including the likes of Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia, etc.
In fact, several of these players remained absent for the team’s last game against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League, including Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, and Roony Bardghji.
The last win against Aston Villa only increased the team’s worries on this front. [The midfielder Rodri suffered a discomfort in his thigh and was unable to play in the second half of that game](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-could-be-without-key-midfielder-for-crucial-atletico-madrid-encounter/).
As [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261104/1004247143/rodri.html) has reported, detailed tests were carried out on the Spaniard on Wednesday, and the results of these test do not bring very good news for Barcelona. These results confirm a hamstring injury for the star midfielder.
Although there is no recovery timeframe for him, he is expected to remain out of action for around three weeks, and the Blaugrana club has already confirmed that he will not be available for the upcoming game against Atletico Madrid.
If the midfielder remains absent for three weeks, he will also miss the game against Villarreal in addition to the game against Atletico. Furthermore, he will remain a doubt for the next two games against Deportivo in La Liga and against Sabah in the Champions League.
There is no doubt that this is a significant blow for Hansi Flick, as Rodri Hernandez has started 11 of the 15 games played so far this season. He has been a mainstay in the midfield, along with Pedri, and in his absence, the Barcelona coach will have to look to another formula to keep his midfield up to par, especially with Dani Olmo also still out with his own injury.