Lenglet feeling 'prepared' to step up in Pique's absence for Barca

The much-experienced center-back is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and his partner is ready to shoulder the extra responsibility.

Gerard Pique picked up a nasty knock after colliding with Angel Correa in FC Barcelona’s most recent La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid.

The club later confirmed a cruciate knee ligament damage for the Spaniard. No official timeline has been provided on his return but reports suggest it could take between two to six months before he fully recovers.

With Sergi Roberto also ruled out until the new year, Barca now have a huge gap in their defense, and filling it is paramount so as to get the season back on track.

Clement Lenglet will now have an added responsibility in the heart of the Barca backline, and the Frenchman is ready to step up and meet that challenge.

“Pique is an important loss because he has been playing for many years and it affects us a lot,” Lenglet told in Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League trip to Dynamo Kyiv.

“I am not the one who should answer [about my role] because it is the coach who picks the team.

“I feel prepared to help the team after two years or so, I am managing a little better being at the club and its environment but it is the coach who chooses the team.”