Full-back XaviEspart will be out of action for approximately seven weeks after suffering a sprained syndesmosis in his right ankle in the Clásico against Real Madrid. The injury occurred in the 9th minute of the match, when the French midfielder Tchouaméni, after challenging for the ball, ran over the ankle of the young Barça player. Although the referee did not show the Frenchman a card because he had touched the ball, the tackle turned out to be a traumatic action that left Espart with an injury that will prevent him from playing for the next few weeks.
The FCBarcelona medical statement confirms that the tests carried out have determined that Espart suffered an injury to the syndesmosis of his right ankle. The club has estimated that the recovery time will be around seven weeks, meaning that the player will not be able to return before January, just before the Christmas holidays. The full-back, who had already suffered an ankle injury during his visit to Paris, was substituted in the final phase of the match, although his injury was not ruled out as a reason for his absence in the Classic.
The incident occurred when Espart was in the ball dispute area and Tchouaméni, after touching the ball, slid across the grass and ended up running over the Barça player's ankle. The syndesmosis injury is similar to what FrenkiedeJong suffered a few seasons ago, and the severity of the injury makes a return uncertain in the short term. The club has indicated that, although the injury is serious, Espart is not expected to play again before January.
With the departure of Espart, Barça's defense is even more reduced. The full-back, who had already been an option in the area after other players were injured, will be forced to remain out of the squad for the next few weeks. The club will continue to monitor his progress and the player is expected to rejoin the team once he has completed the recovery period.