18-year-old Barcelona player injured and left out of the squad for Atletico Madrid clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are working to ensure that they can at least find a positive result against Atletico Madrid. After a rather frustrating run of form recently, it is clear to see that La Blaugrana are not where they want to be. With the top spot in La Liga now vulnerable, Barcelona desperately need a win.

However, there are certain things that will definitely be holding the team back as they continue to fight for the La Liga title. Already this season, Hansi Flick’s side has seen many players get injured or sidelined at crucial stages and it has cost Barcelona when they least expected it to.

Now, as they head into the game against Atletico, Barcelona will already be certain about the fact that they will not be able to count on Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old prodigy is currently dealing with an ankle injury and his return will not take place before January.

Unfortunately, it seems that another casualty has now been revealed as well. As pointed out by official club sources, 18-year-old Spanish full-back Hector Fort has also suffered an injury and has consequently been left out of the 23-man squad that will face off against Atletico Madrid.

According to the same source, the injury that he is currently dealing with is an issue with his left hamstring. For now, there is no exact return date that has been provided and neither is it known if the injury is a long-term issue or if leaving him out of the squad was just a precaution.

Either way, Fort was not expected to start this game but the depth he provides is always useful. Jules Kounde, on the other hand, is fully fit and included in the squad. The Frenchman would be the expected starter for this game and could end up playing a rather key role in how the match unfolds.

On the other hand, however, there is another big issue for Barça to deal with as well. Hansi Flick’s suspension is still in play and this will be the final game that he misses as a result of it, so his team will need to ensure victory against Diego Simeone’s men without their coach on the sidelines.