FC Barcelona 6-1 Girona: 5 Talking Points

#4 Injury scare for Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique hobbled off in the second half

At the beginning of this month, in the 1-1 draw against Espanyol, Gerard Pique had trouble with his knee after clattering into Gerrard Moreno. He was rested for the next game against Getafe but played the next three games against the likes of Valencia, Eibar and Chelsea.

With the return leg and a clash against Atletico Madrid looming over, it was expected that Pique would be given a rest in this game with Thomas Vermaelen now fit and Yerry Mina waiting in the wings. But Valverde decided to start Pique, a decision which backfired in the 64th minute.

Playing with a heavily strapped knee, Pique went down at the start of the second half but stood up soon and continued. Eventually, the centre-back had to give in and was taken off soon after. Whether Pique was substituted as a precaution for the next few matches or because of a serious injury, remains to be seen.