21-year-old Barcelona midfielder unlikely to play again this season due to a knee injury | OneFootball

FC Barcelona got a crucial victory against Atletico Madrid in the last league match ahead of the March international break.

As has been the case in their last two meetings with the Colchoneros this season, the Blaugranes found it quite difficult to get a favorable result in this game. However, they showed incredible character to finally get the better of the Mattress Makers with a 2-4 win, despite having been two goals down on the 70th-minute mark.

However, this victory did not come without its costs. As already reported, defender Iñigo Martínez, who had earned a call-up to the Spanish national team by Luis de la Fuente after a long absence, was forced to withdraw due to knee discomfort sustained during the match.

But he was not the only player who was suffering from physical problems by the end of this game. The midfielder Marc Casado suffered a heavy blow from Antoine Griezmann early in the game but continued on the pitch as the pain was still bearable.

However, the pain increased at the end of the match, and he had to undergo tests after returning to Barcelona from the trip to Madrid.

An update on his condition has been provided by SPORT, which reports that the midfielder is suffering from a tear of an external ligament in the knee which was caused by a sprain. With this injury, he can spend more than two months on the sidelines, and thus, his season could be all but over.

If this turns out to actually be the case, this will be a significant blow for the 21-year-old La Masia graduate and for Hansi Flick. As was the case with Martinez, this problem will cost Casado an opportunity to play for his national team in the upcoming important matches in the UEFA Nations League.

Similarly, he will also be unable to play in the upcoming crucial phase of the season for Barcelona. Hansi Flick would have liked to have all his players available for the hectic schedule ahead, and Casado has been an important part of his team this season.

Hopefully, he will be able to return from this injury as soon as possible and without suffering any long-term implications.