The La Liga leaders were dealt a blow with an injury to full-back Nelson Semedo during Barcelona’s 6-1 win against Girona.
On a superb night at Barcelona’s fortress, it was nearly a perfect ending until the 84th minute when Semedo was forced off due to an injury while tracking back to defend. The 24-year-old put in a great shift in attack as well during one of his rare starts in the past few months.
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde used up all his three subs in the victory against Girona and with Semedo’s muscle problem, the Blaugrana ended the game with 10 men. An injury which could rule the Portuguese defender out of the crunch fixture when Chelsea visits Catalonia in about weeks’ time.
How Serious Could It Be?
The former Benfica defender was advised not to continue for the last five minutes or so after a small examination of his issue when he pulled up clutching his right hamstring. However, reports may claim that Semedo could be out of action for at least a month, which means he could miss the second leg encounter against Premier League champions Chelsea in the Champions League Round of 16 which is scheduled on 15th of March.
The medical staff at Barcelona will be hoping for a speedy recovery but Semedo will be a big doubt for the home fixture against Chelsea, his condition will be assessed further during this week. Barcelona scored a late away goal through Lionel Messi after Willian gave Chelsea the lead at Stamford Bridge in the first leg, it ended 1-1 in London.
Author’s Take-
It’s disappointing news for Barcelona as Semedo is their only recognized natural right back in their squad. Although Sergi Roberto is preferred to Semedo, the Spaniard is a midfielder by trait, however, if Roberto picks up an injury too, it’s a massive void for the Spanish giants to fill in a difficult match against the Blues.
