Sergio Busquets to miss clash with Atletico Madrid after Barcelona midfielder is injured with Spain
The Catalan outfit are already playing catch-up this season after an inconsistent start
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of Saturday's La Liga clash away to Atletico Madrid due to a knee injury sustained on international duty with Spain.
Barca confirmed on Wednesday that Busquets had strained knee ligaments in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Switzerland but did not state how long he would be out for.
Spanish media reports said Busquets would be sidelined for around two weeks, also missing the Champions League trip to Dynamo Kyiv and their home league game against Osasuna.
READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table - all matches by date and kick-off time
The Catalans are already without teenage sensation Ansu Fati for the trip to Atletico, who are third in the standings and six points above eighth-placed Barca.
But Barca's list of absentees pales in comparison to that of Diego Simeone's side.
Luis Suarez, Atleti's joint-top scorer with five league goals, is set to miss the reunion with his former side after testing positive for COVID-19 while away with Uruguay.
Holding midfielder Hector Herrera has been ruled out until December with a hamstring strain, with defenders Stefan Savic and Mario Hermoso also doubts.
Forwards Yannick Carrasco, Diego Costa and Vitolo, meanwhile, are all fighting to be fit for the game, which will be the first true test of Atletico's title credentials after a brilliant start to the campaign.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments