Barcelona received a worrying blow during its training session, after Swedish player Rony Bardghji suffered a knee injury that forced him to leave the pitch amid clear signs of pain, in an incident that raised the club's concerns over a long absence that could extend for several months.
Bardghji had been participating in training normally before suddenly stopping due to the injury, while Barcelona awaits the results of medical examinations to determine the nature of the injury and its severity, amid initial indications that are not optimistic.
Bardghji had arrived at Barcelona's training after coach Hans Flick had excluded him from participating in the match against Udinese, before the Swedish winger suffered the incident during the training session.
Spanish newspaper "Sport" reported: "The player was training normally before he had to leave the pitch, after showing signs of severe pain, which prompted the club's medical staff to intervene and conduct an initial examination".
The injury raises Barcelona's concerns, especially since the knee has been a previous source of worry for the player, who had previously suffered a serious injury that kept him out of action for a long period.
The specter of the old injury returns
Bardghji had previously suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for up to ten months, and therefore fears are growing that the current injury may be related to the same knee.
It is still too early to determine the severity of the injury, pending precise medical examinations that will reveal whether the player is suffering from major damage requiring a long absence or surgical intervention.
Barcelona is awaiting the results of the examinations in the coming hours, which will further determine the length of the player's absence and the appropriate treatment plan, amid fears that the injury may be severe enough to end his participation for a long period.
Barcelona awaits the final diagnosis
Barcelona's medical services conducted an initial examination of Bardghji after he left training, and the initial assessments showed reasons for concern regarding the condition of the knee.
The player is expected to undergo additional examinations in the coming hours, before the final diagnosis and expected length of absence are announced.
If the severity of the injury is confirmed, Bardghji may have to undergo surgery, which would represent a strong blow to the player at the beginning of his career with Barcelona, and would also put the club in a difficult position regarding its plans for the new season.
So far, there is no official length of absence for Bardghji, but initial indications raise concerns of an injury that may require several months to recover from, especially given his previous history with knee injuries.
Barcelona is expected to issue an official statement as soon as all examinations are completed and a final diagnosis is reached, to determine the nature of the injury and the length of Bardghji's absence from the pitch.
