Barcelona youth star set to miss several weeks with hamstring injury | OneFootball

Barcelona youth midfielder Pedro Villar is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during Barça Atlètic’s latest league fixture.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Villar felt discomfort in his hamstring during the 4-0 victory over Pena Sport and was unable to continue. 

The midfielder requested to come off during the first half, with further medical examinations later confirming the problem.

The extent of the injury will determine exactly how long Villar remains unavailable, but the initial expectation is that the Barcelona youngster will miss several weeks. 

That would rule him out of a number of upcoming fixtures for Barça Atlètic.

Pedro Villar suffers setback after strong start

Villar’s injury comes at an unfortunate time given the important role he has established under Belletti this season.

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This is the midfielder’s first campaign as a registered Barça Atlètic player, and he had become one of the coach’s regular starters. 

Villar has been named in the starting XI for all four league matches so far, completing the full 90 minutes against Naxara and Barbastro.

His latest appearance ended much earlier than planned. Villar was withdrawn in the 39th minute against Peña Sport after reporting hamstring discomfort, although Barça Atlètic went on to secure a convincing victory.

The 18-year-old had also shown tactical flexibility during the opening weeks of the campaign, with his manager using him both as a defensive midfielder and further forward as an attacking midfielder.

That versatility made Villar a useful option within the squad, making his absence a selection issue for the Barça Atlètic coaching staff.

Villar faces important weeks on sidelines

Villar’s recovery timeline is still being assessed, meaning it is too early to put a precise return date on the midfielder.

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What is already clear is that his injury is likely to interrupt an encouraging start to his first full season as a Barça Atlètic player.

It must be remembered that Barcelona also recently secured Villar’s longer-term future. 

The midfielder renewed his contract last August, extending his previous agreement, which was due to expire in 2027, through to 2030. The new deal also contains an option for an additional year.

Meanwhile, Barça Atlètic have moved to the top of their group following their emphatic win over Peña Sport.

Osasuna B’s defeat allowed them to climb into first place, giving the Catalan side further momentum at the beginning of the campaign.

For now, Villar is expected to miss the upcoming trip to Tudelano, followed by home fixtures against SD Logrones and Utebo at the Johan Cruyff Arena.