Andres Iniesta Injury Blow For Barcelona
Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta will be out from the team after he suffered a knee injury in a 3-2 win at Valencia. Ivan Rakitic replaced Iniesta. Barcelona won the match after Lionel Messi scored his second with a stoppage-time penalty.
Nasty Knee Injury
Barcelona said Iniesta injured a ligament in his right knee when he was tackled early in the game against Valencia. The club issued a medical report saying he would be out “six to eight weeks” to recover from the damage to his knee. That would be a very crucial period for the team, that is already seen struggling (compared to previous campaigns).
Iniesta grabbed his knee and called for medical help after he was tackled by Valencia’s Enzo Perez in the 12th minute. The Spain midfielder’s knee appeared to buckle during the aggressive tackle. His standing right leg didn’t bend as Perez flew in and the Barcelona captain went down clutching his right knee and calling immediately for treatment from the sidelines.
The referee immediately signaled for assistance. After being attended to, by the club’s medical team for several minutes, he was carried off the pitch at the Mestalla in tears. Iniesta was in obvious pain while he was put on the stretcher and carried off.
Coach Luis Enrique was incensed at Enzo Perez as he escaped without even a yellow card for the challenge that caused the injury.
An Important Cog In Midfield
Andres Iniesta might be towards the twilight of his career but the midfielder’s importance to Luis Enrique’s side is huge. And, as a result could hurt Barcelona quite badly.
Iniesta is Barcelona’s best playmaker, blessed with superb vision, passing, and dribbling skills. The 32-year-old can take possession in tight areas, draw markers and somehow still maintain possession for his side.
He has helped the club win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues. Iniesta is also a key player for Spain, which is seeking qualification for the 2018 World Cup. Injuries have haunted the man who scored the goal that won the World Cup for Spain, throughout his career. He famously played the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United under strict instructions not to shoot because he was still short of full fitness after injuring a right thigh muscle.
The winning mentality, big-game temperament and experience Iniesta possesses, not to mention his brilliant technical skills, make him irreplaceable at the Camp Nou.
Candidates For Replacement
Barcelona have no shortage of options to replace him. Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic typically line up alongside the midfielder in a formidable trio. Although in terms of a like to like replacement for the playmaker, Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Rafinha and Arda Turan can all do a fine job.
Arda Turan is the most likely candidate having started the season in fine form. Andre Gomes has struggled to settle since moving from Valencia in the summer.
The injury comes as a major blow to Luis Enrique who would have to play youngster Denis Suarez or Andre Gomes in Iniesta’s place if Arda Turan does not recover from the elbow knock that kept him out of Barça’s win over Valencia.
Barcelona have quality in abundance in this area of the field. All things considered, the manager will be desperate to see Iniesta back on the field again as soon as possible.
Key Fixtures To Be Missed
He will miss at least 12 matches, including the El Clasico at home to Real Madrid. He’s going to miss as many as seven La Liga fixtures, including the first Clasico of the season. He’ll also miss two Spain World Cup Qualifiers. Plus he will miss the first round of the Copa Del Rey against Hércules.
Among other matches, Iniesta will miss Barcelona’s Champions League match at Manchester City. However, with nine points from three games, Barcelona’s passage to the next round is almost assured.
The injury further weakens Barcelona ahead of their remaining Champions League fixtures. Barca’s season has been plagued by injuries so far as Lionel Messi has just returned from nearly a month out, while Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba were injured in the win over Manchester City.
Picture Courtesy: Daily Mail