Injury scare for Barcelona as Xavi Espart forced off injured for Spain’s Under-19s

Barcelona’s medical staff are awaiting clarity on the fitness of teenage right-back Xavi Espart after the defender was substituted in the 79th minute of Spain’s Under-19 match on Tuesday with what appeared to be a muscle complaint. The incident compounds the club’s growing injury list over the international window, following the earlier loss of winger Raphinha while on duty with Brazil.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Espart was seen clutching his lower body as he left the pitch, prompting initial fears of a strain. However, Gerard Romero notes that the Spanish Football Federation offered a cautiously optimistic response, stating “in principle, nothing” when pressed for an update on the 18-year-old’s condition.

Espart’s potential setback comes at a delicate moment for the Catalan club. The youngster only recently broke into the first-team fold, marking his senior debut in the Champions League encounter against Newcastle United. Manager Hansi Flick has already likened the defender’s style to that of former Germany captain Philipp Lahm, underlining the coaching staff’s confidence in his long-term prospects at Camp Nou.

Barcelona now hope the RFEF’s early assessment holds true, as they prepare for a congested fixture schedule. With Espart still in contention for a place at this summer’s tournament, all eyes will be on whether the teenager is deemed fit enough to feature in Spain’s upcoming clash with Egypt.

Following the final whistle, Espart reportedly reached out to a Manchester City player—an indication that relationships across club lines remain strong among the sport’s emerging talents. Until official scans are released, Barcelona will monitor their academy graduate day-by-day, anxious to avoid another enforced absence during a pivotal stage of the season.