Injuries to defenders at Barcelona and Chelsea

In depth

Chavi Espart, a 19-year-old Barcelona defender, was injured in the ankle during the loss to Real Madrid in the Clasico. According to ONE, the player is expected to be out for seven weeks, and his return to the pitch before the end of 2026 is still in doubt. According to Walla, the absence is expected to last close to two months, and the defensive injury crisis for the Catalans is worsening.

ONE quoted Espart: "Disappointed by the loss, but with one idea in mind: to come back as well and as quickly as possible." According to Maariv, Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, confirmed that one of the team's stars will be out in the coming weeks with a hip injury, ahead of the League Cup match on Wednesday at 22:00 on Sport5.