Pique suffers injury, set to miss Champions League second leg

 

Barcelona has been dealt a huge injury blow after it was revealed on Thursday that defender Gerard Pique has suffered another knee problem.

The 34-year-old was heavily involved as Barcelona came from 2-0 down on aggregate to win their Copa Del Rey second leg tie against Sevilla on Wednesday evening.

Ronald Koeman’s side had lost the first leg 2-0 in Seville but Ousmane Dembele’s effort in the first half and Gerard Pique’s goal in the final minute of the game forced extra time where Martin Braithwaite scored the winner.

However, a statement released by the club has not stated a recovery date for the World Cup winner.

“The medical assessment and tests performed this morning have shown that first-team player Gerard Pique has a sprain in the internal lateral ligament of his right knee. He is therefore unavailable and the evolution of the injury will determine when he returns.” the statement read.

Pique has scored two goals in 15 matches for the Blaugrana this season although injury has forced him to miss at least 24 matches this season under Ronald Koeman.

He would not play any part in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg clash against PSG at the Parc De Princes, and weekend La Liga clash with Osasuna.

Barcelona continues to chase the La Liga title as they sit in the second position leveled on points with Real Madrid and with five points behind Atletico Madrid.

They could move within just two points of the leaders should Real Madrid defeat Diego Simeone’s side in the Madrid derby this weekend.

Barcelona will face Atletico Bilbao in the final of the 2021 Copa Del Rey.

 

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu