Barcelona youngster sends defiant message after Clasico injury: ‘Only one idea in mind’

Barcelona youngster sends defiant message after Clasico injury: ‘Only one idea in mind’ Barcelona’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday left Hansi Flick with more than just three dropped points to worry about. The Catalans suffered yet another injury setback in defence, with Xavi Espart joining an already lengthy injury list. The 19-year-old La Masia graduate has now broken his silence following the injury he suffered during Sunday’s Clasico . Espart delivers emotional message after injury setback The teenage Barcelona defender delivered a defiant message that reflects his determination to return stronger. “Hurt by the defeat, with only one thing on my mind: coming back as soon as possible and stronger. They won’t beat us,” Espart wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝑿𝑨𝑽𝑰 𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻 (@xaviespart) The youngster accompanied his message with two photographs from the Clasico , including one showing him receiving attention from Barcelona captain Raphinha after going down injured. Espart sustained the injury following a challenge involving Aurelien Tchouameni early in the match. Although he initially continued playing, the defender eventually had to be replaced by Alejandro Balde around the half-hour mark. Tchouameni, rather inexplicably, escaped a yellow card for the challenge on Espart. However, Real Madrid later complained about a similar challenge from Joao Cancelo on Yan Diomande. Barça conducted a medical examination on Monday, which confirmed damage to the syndesmosis in Espart’s right ankle. The club expect him to be out for seven weeks . Another setback for Flick’s defensive plans The timing is particularly unfortunate given Espart’s impressive emergence this season. The youngster has made nine appearances, registering two goals and two assists while establishing himself as a reliable option on either defensive flank. His performance against PSG was particularly encouraging as he scored Barça’s opening goal and locked up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for much of their battle. Xavi Espart scored against PSG. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona) With Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen also sidelined and Jules Kounde managing ankle problems, Flick now has another selection headache. Espart’s importance extends beyond simply being defensive cover. His versatility and comfort in possession made him a regular in Flick’s team. This has allowed Flick to adjust his full-back combinations and create midfield overloads using the La Masia graduate. Espart’s immediate priority has to be to make a full recovery and return to action as soon as he can. Once he returns, there is no doubt that Flick will continue giving him minutes. In the meantime, it remains to be seen how the manager handles the situation in his absence.