Rodri ruled out as Barcelona prepare for Atletico Madrid test

Barcelona midfielder Rodri will miss Sunday’s crucial La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid after medical tests confirmed a minor right hamstring injury.

The Spain international was replaced at half-time during Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League win over Aston Villa on Tuesday. Tests carried out on Wednesday confirmed the problem, ruling him out of the club’s trip to the Metropolitano.

Barcelona have not set a recovery timetable for Rodri, although the forthcoming international break could give him time to return to full fitness.

Spain are due to play Czechia on November 12 before facing England three days later. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to name his squad on Friday, with Rodri’s availability for those fixtures now uncertain.

If the midfielder is not selected for international duty, Barcelona will hope he can recover in time for their next league match against Villarreal on November 22. Rodri has established himself as a key member of the side since joining from Manchester City, making 14 appearances in all competitions and scoring once.

Barcelona receive defensive boost

There was more positive news for manager Hansi Flick on Wednesday as defenders Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen returned to training.

Their progress offers Barcelona some relief after a series of defensive injuries. Jules Kounde remains sidelined while he recovers from an ankle problem.

Barcelona will also continue to be without Xavi Espart, who is expected to miss the remainder of the year. Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji are unavailable too, leaving Flick with several decisions to make before facing Diego Simeone’s team.

The Catalan club have recovered from successive defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid with victories against Alaves and Aston Villa.

Sunday’s fixture represents another major challenge to their title ambitions. Barcelona lead the La Liga table with 30 points from 11 matches, two points clear of Atletico Madrid.

Atletico go into the match in strong form, having won their past seven league games.