Barcelona reserve team face three injury doubts after Girona B setback

Barcelona are waiting for the results of medical tests on Ibrahim Diarra, Dani Avila and Hafiz Gariba on Monday, with all three players suffering problems in the hamstring area.

The injuries came during a difficult afternoon for Barcelona Atletic, who were forced to face Girona B despite a large number of absences caused by international call-ups and existing injuries. The reserve side lost their first home game of the season 1-0 at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, but the fresh fitness concerns were the biggest source of anxiety.

The latest setbacks add to the physical problems already affecting the group managed by Juliano Belletti.

Avila’s injury is particularly concerning because the match was intended to mark only the next stage of his gradual return. He had made his first appearance of the season two weeks earlier against Arenido, a 2-1 victory, after recovering from a knee injury.

The defender had subsequently been rested for the match against Manresa, with the plan being to reintroduce him carefully. However, the circumstances surrounding the Girona B fixture meant he was named in the starting line-up after the competition’s single judge ruled that the game should go ahead.

Only five minutes into the match, Avila felt a sharp pain in the back of his left leg. He left the pitch for the dressing room in tears.

Ibrahim Diarra began the game on the bench. The Mali midfielder’s previous injury problems had led to him being handled cautiously. He made his first appearance of the season in late September after recovering from a muscle injury, before suffering another setback.

Belletti gave him eight minutes against Manresa and introduced him late against Girona B as Barcelona attempted to overturn the scoreline. But, with the team already feeling the strain of the circumstances and required to give maximum effort, Diarra suffered another muscle tear, this time in the hamstring area.

He left to applause from the supporters, holding his shirt over his face as he cried in frustration and anger. His team-mates went to console him, while several Girona B players also offered their support. Belletti showed a similar gesture, waiting for Diarra at the touchline to comfort him.

There is considerable sadness within the reserve-team squad because of Diarra’s extensive potential and his continuing difficulty in overcoming recurring physical problems. His injury could also result in the longest absence of the three, although that will not be established until the medical examinations have been completed.

There is more optimism over Gariba’s condition. The centre-back completed the full match but was seen repeatedly touching the hamstring of his left thigh after the final whistle. Barcelona will now wait for the tests before determining the extent of all three injuries.