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Barcelona & Xavi issue updates after Ansu Fati’s heartbreaking injury setback

Ansu Fati
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The teenager was left distraught after being forced out in the 96th-minute of the club’s Copa del Rey defeat.

Barcelona forward Ansu Fati has a femoral biceps injury in his left thigh following Thursday’s 3-2 defeat to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.

Fati suffered a relapse of his hamstring injury just 35 minutes after replacing Ferran Jutgla as a second-half substitute. The 19-year-old was clearly distraught by his injury, having left the pitch in tears. His teammates and manager consoled him before he headed straight down the tunnel.

In a brief update after the last-16 defeat, Barcelona confirmed Fati has a hamstring injury. The club, however, cannot confirm the full extent of the problem until further tests are done later on Friday.

The news is a serious blow, as the teenager had only just returned from a long-term hamstring problem. He could reportedly face between four to six weeks sidelined.

Xavi offers updates on Pedri and Fati

Joining Fati on the sidelines during extra-time on Thursday was Pedri. The Spaniard asked to be removed whilst clutching his leg. However, Xavi played down concerns about the midfielder.

“Pedri doesn’t seem to be anything serious,” said the Barcelona manager in a post-match conference.

On Fati, he added: “Ansu was affected. We’ll see how serious the injury is tomorrow after tests. We’ll see about Jordi Alba as well.”

What next for Barcelona?

Before coming off injured, Pedri had scored the decisive equalizer to level the scoreline at 2-2 and send the Copa del Rey last-16 tie between Athletic and Barcelona into extra-time at the San Mames.

Ferran Torres was also on target on Thursday to register his first goal for Xavi’s side. Iker Muniain and Inigo Martinez, though, scored in normal time for Athletic, before the former struck an extra-time-winning goal.

Now, with their Copa del Rey title defense over, Barcelona turn their attention to Sunday’s La Liga trip to Alaves.

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