5 Brilliant Footballers who are having an injury crisis this season

Modified Jan 08, 2019 06:12 GMT

Manchester City v Fulham - Carabao Cup Fourth Round

#3 Sergi Roberto (Spain, Barcelona)

Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga

The Spaniard is an integral part of the Barcelona team and his versatility is an asset for his team. Sergi Roberto is predominantly a right back, but he has been utilized frequently at central midfield as well as on the right side by Valverde. His abilities have given Barcelona a tactical edge in recent times and Roberto is a very important player for the Catalans.

As such, it was a big blow for Barcelona when he picked up a muscle injury at the end of September last year, in the La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao. Incidentally, the Spaniard was playing as the defensive midfielder on the night and had to exit in the 51st minute. Subsequently, Roberto was out for 19 days, a period where he missed 2 games for Barcelona.

He returned in the La Liga tie against Seville in the middle of October. However, a month later at the end of November, he picked up a hamstring injury in the game against Athletico Madrid, this time playing as the right midfielder. Roberto was sidelined for 41 days and missed 7 games for Barcelona. He returned to action last Sunday against Getafe, where he played the full 90 minutes.

In a season where Barcelona are already riddled with injuries in the defense, the Spaniard's absence has been a big blow. One hopes that Roberto can stay fit now as Barcelona nears the business end of the season.

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Edited by Sripad