Barcelona defensive prodigy ruled out of Villarreal game – here’s why | OneFootball

Following an entertaining affair against Levante at Camp Nou, Barcelona will shift focus to yet another crucial game in La Liga, as they take on Villarreal.

The Catalans are slated to take on the Yellow Submarines next Saturday, a match that could have huge significance in the context of the title race.

Heading into this game, Barcelona have been blessed with the return of key players, including Pedri and Marcus Rashford.

However, in the Villarreal game, coach Hansi Flick will miss out on the services of a key defender.

Gerard Martin ruled out vs Villarreal

The player in question is Gerard Martin. That is because the young defender had picked up a booking against Levante during the injury time of first-half.

Martin, who started the game at centre-back alongside Eric Garcia, was penalised for a foul, which didn’t look like a foul as it involved very little contact.

Martin won’t be available vs Villarreal. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

However, that didn’t stop the referee from dishing out a yellow card, which means the defender now has five yellow cards for the season and will, therefore, miss the next game.

Garcia’s absence, though, vindicates Flick’s decision to bench Pau Cubarsi against Levante.

The young defender will be fresh and ready to start in the absence of Martin against Villarreal, with Ronald Araujo likely to serve as an alternative.

To Flick’s fortune, Joao Cancelo, too, has impressed in the left-back position against Levante, meaning he can be considered a viable alternative for Alejandro Balde in the left-back position at all.

Barcelona, therefore, shouldn’t have much problem dealing with Martin’s one-match suspension. In any case, Flick would have ideally wanted Garcia to be available against Athletic Club, the club’s next opponent after Villarreal.