Barcelona’s misery at being beaten by Atletico Madrid was made worse after Gerard Pique was forced off with a knee injury as the club’s injury crisis deepened.
The 33-year-old was forced off the field at the Wanda Metropolitano in tears with a potentially serious knee injury after a freak collision with Angel Correa.
Sport suggest Pique could be facing a six-month lay-off, adding to the growing list of absentees for Barca, who are already without Ansu Fati and Samuel Umtiti, while Sergi Roberto also hobbled off in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat.
The Spain star suffered a freak collision with Angel Correa which bent his knee awkwardly
The Catalan side were in desperate need of a positive result going into the game but went behind after Yannick Carrasco took advantage of a Marc-Andre ter Stegen error in the game’s only goal just before half time.
It went from bad to worse after the break for Barca when Correa fell with his full weight onto Pique’s outstretched leg forcing it to bend in an awkward direction, with the Spaniard visibly distressed.
It is believed the dressing room have already recognised it as a serious injury and could force the Spain international out for six months.
It was another miserable day for Barca who lost 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano thanks to a first half stoppage time strike from Yannick Carrasco (above)
It was another miserable day for Barca who lost 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano thanks to a first half stoppage time strike from Yannick Carrasco (above)
The unconventional manner in which his leg was forced has led to many to speculate it could be an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which could lead to the Spaniard being sidelined for a lengthy period of the season.
After another disastrous day in a difficult season for Ronald Koeman’s side, their third defeat leaves them 10th in LaLiga, nine points behind Atletico in second.
Barca confirmed the knee injury to Pique after the game but did not specify the seriousness, whilst also noting Roberto’s injury.
Koeman expressed his concern after the game, saying: ‘The injuries of Pique and Sergi Roberto are worrying me. We look forward to seeing the results after tomorrow to know how long they will be out for.’