Barcelona hit with fresh injury blow as key player sidelined for five weeks after injury in Spanish Super Cup victory over Real Madrid: Reports

Barcelona have been dealt a fresh injury blow as Inigo Martinez sustained a muscle problem during their Spanish Super Cup final clash against Real Madrid on Sunday, January 12.

The Catalans picked up their first trophy under Hansi Flick as they crushed Real Madrid 5-2 in the final. Goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde, coupled with a brace from Raphinha, ensured a big win for the side in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing as Martinez had to go off in just the 28th minute with a muscle injury and was replaced by Ronald Araujo.

Now, Javi Miguel of Spanish news media outlet AS has shared an update on the defender's condition as well as his potential return date. He reported that Martinez has suffered a tear in the femoral biceps of his right leg and that could sideline him for five weeks. However, further examinations are set to be carried out on Tuesday to get a clearer picture about the length of his absence.

Either way, it's a huge blow for the La Blaugrana as the Spaniard had been a regular fixture in their starting lineup this season and had forged a solid defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi.

Martinez is now likely to miss some crucial fixtures coming up this month: the Copa del Rey fixture against Real Betis, the clash against Valencia in LaLiga and the Champions League encounter with Atalanta. Head coach Flick will have a selection headache to contend with, as he looks for a replacement at the heart of their defense.

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Ronald Araujo has a chance to nail down a spot in Barcelona's starting XI

Inigo Martinez's loss could be Ronald Araujo's gain, as the Uruguayan has a chance to come back into the starting lineup. He had lost his place in the squad after a bicep injury that kept him out for five months.

On his return, Araujo was given a starting spot in the lineup against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey at the start of the month. However, he only came off the bench in the finals on Sunday.

With Martinez set to be sidelined for at least a month, Araujo has a chance to stake a claim to a spot in the lineup again. He could be given another chance when Barcelona host Real Betis in the last-16 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, January 15.