Marc Casado suffers worrying shoulder injury during Deportivo de La Coruna loan spell

Marc Casado was forced off with a serious-looking shoulder injury during Deportivo de La Coruna’s match against Real Betis, adding to a growing list of fitness concerns involving Barcelona players.

The midfielder, who is currently on loan at Deportivo de La Coruna from Barcelona, left the field after around 30 minutes following a collision with Real Betis player Marc Roca. He appeared to land awkwardly and was visibly in pain before signalling that he could not continue.

Diego Villares replaced Casado, with the change made in the 33rd minute while the match was still 0-0.

According to Sport, Casado could be heard telling members of his team’s medical staff, “It’s broken”, apparently referring to his collarbone. He pointed towards his right shoulder and immediately requested to be substituted.

The initial signs are therefore concerning, although the extent of the injury will not be known until Casado undergoes medical tests. Deportivo de La Coruna are expected to issue a report after the examinations.

The incident comes at a difficult time for Barcelona, who have also seen Andreas Christensen and goalkeeper Joan Garcia suffer injuries.

Christensen sustained an injury to the quadriceps muscle in his left thigh during Barcelona’s match against Sevilla on Saturday in the seventh round of La Liga. Garcia, meanwhile, damaged the meniscus in his right knee during the club’s game against Racing de Santander.

Casado had made his first appearance for Deportivo de La Coruna in the team’s dramatic victory over Villarreal at La Ceramica. He then made his first start for the club in the draw against Getafe.

His early progress at Deportivo de La Coruna has now been interrupted by the shoulder problem, with the medical assessment set to determine how long he could be unavailable.