Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets will miss the Europa League clash with Manchester United. The midfielder has sprained the external lateral ligament of his left ankle and has been out.
Busquets suffered an injury during Barcelona’s victory over Sevilla in La Liga. The Spaniard limped off in the seventh minute of the game and was replaced by Franck Kessie, who impressed.
MEDICAL NEWS | The tests carried out this morning have revealed that Sergio Busquets has sprained the lateral collateral ligament of his left ankle. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability. https://t.co/taS6pCsJsy
Barcelona have now confirmed that their captain has sprained the lateral collateral ligament in his left ankle and there is no deadline for his return. The midfielder has effectively been ruled out of the games against Manchester United later this month.
The Barcelona statement said:
The tests carried out this Monday morning have revealed that the captain of the first team, Sergio Busquets, has sprained the external lateral ligament of his left ankle. He will not be available for selection until he recovers. After a clash with En-Nesyri in the 7th minute of the match against Sevilla on Sunday at the Spotify Camp Nou, the midfielder had to leave the performances early. Sergio has featured in all but two of Barca’s 20 league games so far this season, plus nine games in other competitions.”
Sergio Busquets still to decide his future at Barcelona
Xavi has insisted that he wants Sergio Busquets to stay one more season at Barcelona. He believes that the Spaniard is a vital part of his team on and off the pitch.
Speaking to the media last week, Xavi said:
“The decision will be his. We are waiting. He is a very important person for the club, on and off the field. He has earned the fact that he can decide his future. I will be delighted that he stays for another year.” .”
However, Busquets has insisted that he has not made any decision about his future. In January, he said ahead of the Spanish Super Cup:
“I haven’t decided anything. The important thing is the present. We are very focused on tomorrow’s final. I wouldn’t say it at a press conference either. A final is played tomorrow. I put the final before my future.”
Busquets is reportedly being watched by MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.