Barcelona defender Xavi Espart ruled out for seven weeks with ankle injury

Barcelona will be without Xavi Espart for around seven weeks after the full-back sustained a right ankle injury during Sunday’s 2-1 La Liga defeat by Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old was injured in a collision with an opposing player at home and was substituted in the 30th minute, with Alejandro Balde taking his place.

Barcelona confirmed the diagnosis in a medical statement, saying tests had shown Espart was suffering from an injury to the syndesmosis joint in his right ankle.

“The player will be out for around seven weeks,” the club added.

Espart has played nine times for Barcelona this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. His recovery period means he could remain unavailable until 2027, as Barcelona are due to play their final match of 2026 on December 20.

The injury further reduces Barcelona’s defensive options, with Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia also unavailable.

Joao Cancelo, Balde, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin are now the only available defenders in the squad. That leaves Barcelona with limited cover as they deal with a demanding schedule.