The Spanish Championship, often known as “El Classico,” are a highly anticipated, highly viewed contest that draws the attention of millions of viewers across the globe. The two Spanish powerhouses, FC Real Madrid and FC Barcelona square off in that contest.
Following the upcoming El-Clasico, a melancholic cloud has set over FC Barcelona and their fans, as five of their players seem to be out of the field for various injuries. The reason behind Barcelona fans’ morale isn’t the highest with the current environment of the team.
A variety of injuries befell Memphis Depay, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Ousmane Dembele, and Frenkie De Jong as they were competing for their respective national teams in international competition.
Memphis and Frenkie De Jong, were both substituted out of the match while playing for the Netherlands national team in Oranje’s National League against Poland. After falling to the ground and clutching a hamstring in the midst of the game, Memphis could not continue playing and had to be replaced by Vincent Janssen after 49 minutes.
De Jong was called back as a precaution, said Louis Van Gaal, the Dutch soccer manager. The Dutch national team, on the other hand, has stated, “Frenkie De Jong did not return to the pitch after the break in a match against Poland and instead walked home. He has issues with his thighs.” This statement suggested that De Jong had suffered a severe injury, which cast doubt on his participation in the next match.
Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo suffered from injuries and underwent medical tests and examinations by the club’s medical department. Both players will be benched through practice and any near future games in the next 3 to 4 weeks. Kounde is suffering from an injury on his left thigh during UEFA’s Nations League against Austria, while Araujo has sustained a wound on his right thigh against Iran.
The Barcelona manager, Xavi, is in a predicament as both Kounde and Araujo were his first choice for the upcoming tournament. Hectorctor Bellerin and Sergi Roberto are the picks that can replace Kounde and Gerard Pique, and Andreas Christensen could be substituting for Araujo.
Despite all other odds, the only good one is that Ousmane Dembele’s injury was pronounced minor, and is expected to play against France on Sunday; the four other players have no specific timeframe for their return to the field.
