Aheed Abrar
Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets to miss UEFA Europa League clash against Manchester United
Sergio Busquets will be unavailable for Barcelona against Manchester United next week in the UEFA Europa League after picking up a knock, according to Sport (h/t Daily Mail). He is likely to be out for two to three weeks.
The Spaniard sprained his ankle in the 3-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga. In the eighth minute against the Andalusian outfit, the 34-year-old had to be withdrawn and was replaced by Frank Kessie.
Xavi’s team will take on the Old Trafford side in the first leg of the UEL playoffs on Thursday (16 February). Then, on 23 February, the Blaugrana will visit the Manchester-based club for the second leg.
Busquets has been one of Barcelona’s most important players over the years under various managers. The 34-year-old has not just kept the Spanish giants’ engine room ticking but has also kept the defence secure.
In recent years, the Spain international has seemingly lost his legs a bit. However, managers have still relied on the veteran in the Camp Nou side’s starting lineup. In the current campaign, the midfielder has made 27 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan outfit.
While Xavi will be without a key player in the middle of the park, he has several other superstars at his disposal. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi and Kessie can all be called upon by the Barcelona head coach.
United have their own injury crisis in the midfield. We will be without Christian Eriksen for an extended period while Donny van de Beek is out for the rest of the season.
Thankfully, Erik ten Hag has Casemiro in his ranks. We also signed Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day last month.
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The Old Trafford side has been involved in some tense clashes with the Blaugrana over the years. Hopefully, the Red Devils will be able to get the better of the La Liga giants over the two legs in the UEL.
