Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Rodri Hernández has suffered a tear in the right biceps femoris and will be sidelined for approximately four weeks.
The injury occurred during the UEFA Champions League match against Aston Villa, where Rodri was substituted at halftime after experiencing muscular discomfort. Medical tests on Wednesday confirmed the hamstring tear.
Rodri will miss Sunday's LaLiga clash against Atlético Madrid, as well as upcoming league fixtures against Villarreal, Deportivo and Celta, and the Champions League game against Sabah. There is optimism he could return for the European encounter with Manchester City.
This season Rodri has been a regular starter, featuring in eight of Barcelona's ten LaLiga matches and accumulating 697 minutes, including full 90-minute appearances against Real Betis, Real Madrid and Alavés. In the Champions League he has started three of four matches, playing 248 minutes.
The injury also rules him out of Spain's UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Czech Republic and England, leaving coach Luis de la Fuente without a key midfield presence.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick must now reorganise his midfield. Pedri remains the primary pivot, while Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are options to partner him. Bernal replaced Rodri against Aston Villa and has started three LaLiga games this season, providing an assist. De Jong returned from injury recently and played the final 20 minutes against Aston Villa after featuring at centre-back against Alavés. Gavi has appeared in eight matches across both competitions but did not play against Alavés, according to SPORT.
Several other players are also sidelined: Eric Garcia, Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji. However, Garcia, Koundé and Christensen are nearing full fitness and could be available for the Atlético Madrid match.
