Following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway's Viking, Azerbaijan's Sabah will host one of Europe's most decorated clubs, Barcelona, in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. The match will take place in Baku on November 25, with the Catalan giants potentially facing significant squad problems as seven players are currently sidelined through injury.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, midfielder Rodri is the latest player to join Barcelona's injury list after suffering a right hamstring injury during the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in the fourth round of the Champions League.
Initial estimates suggest the Spanish international will need approximately three weeks to recover. This puts his participation against Sabah in doubt, as the match is scheduled just 22 days after he sustained the injury. Barcelona have yet to announce an official return date.
Another potential absentee is Dani Olmo. The midfielder suffered a left adductor injury on October 20, with his initial recovery period estimated at around one month. He could therefore return in time for the trip to Baku, although his availability will depend on his rehabilitation progress.
There is also uncertainty surrounding defender Jules Koundé, who is recovering from a left ankle ligament sprain. No definitive return date has been announced, although the coaching staff hope to have him available again in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, two Barcelona players are highly unlikely to feature in Azerbaijan. Roony Bardghji is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while young defender Xavi Espart suffered an ankle injury against Real Madrid on October 25.
Espart's recovery was initially estimated at approximately seven weeks, and head coach Hansi Flick has suggested that the defender may not return until early next year.
The outlook is more encouraging for Eric García and Andreas Christensen. Both defenders are recovering from muscular injuries and could return well before the encounter with Sabah. According to Spanish media reports, García has already resumed training with the first-team squad.
Flick himself hopes to have most of his injured players available following the November international break.
"I hope everyone will be available after the international break, including Dani Olmo. As for Xavi Espart, we may not see him until the beginning of next year," the German coach said.
As things stand, Bardghji and Espart appear the most likely absentees for Barcelona's trip to Baku, while the availability of Rodri, Olmo and Koundé remains uncertain. García and Christensen, on the other hand, have a good chance of recovering before November 25.
The Sabah vs Barcelona match will be played at Baku Olympic Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 21:45 local time.
After four rounds of the Champions League league phase, Barcelona sit fifth in the standings with nine points, while Azerbaijan's Sabah occupy 31st place with three points.
