Hansi Flick confirms versatile Barcelona star’s return delayed until 2027

Hansi Flick confirms versatile Barcelona star’s return delayed until 2027 Barcelona will have to wait longer than initially expected to welcome Xavi Espart back from injury, with Hansi Flick indicating that the 19-year-old could remain unavailable until the first match of 2027.  The defender is recovering from a syndesmosis injury to his right ankle sustained during the El Clasico defeat against Real Madrid on October 25, leaving the Catalan club without a versatile defensive option during an already difficult period for the squad. Flick provided an indication of Espart’s recovery timeline during his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with Aston Villa.  Espart’s ankle injury proves more complicated for Barcelona Espart suffered the injury during Barcelona’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, following a challenge involving Aurelien Tchouameni.  The youngster was unable to continue and had to be replaced, with Alejandro Balde coming on as his replacement. Medical examinations subsequently confirmed damage to the syndesmosis joint in his right ankle.  Barcelona announced on October 26 that the defender would be sidelined for approximately seven weeks, initially suggesting a possible return before the end of the calendar year. However, Flick’s comments indicate that the club could be without the teenager for considerably longer than that initial estimate. Barcelona in trouble? Barcelona are currently managing several defensive absences, with Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde also unavailable.  However, Flick expects those three players to return after the upcoming international break, leaving Espart with the longest projected recovery period among the defenders mentioned. “We have four injured players: Xavi Espart, Eric, Christensen and Kounde. Xavi might return at the start of 2027. Others are likely to return after the int’l break. Espart was injured against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “It’s not easy to manage, but Frenkie is there, coming back from injury and willing to help, just like Brian Farinas,” said the manager during the pre-match press conference ahead of Aston Villa clash. Barcelona lose an important option in Flick’s defensive plans Espart’s absence is particularly relevant because of his versatility.  The teenager has demonstrated an ability to operate on both sides of defence, giving Flick additional flexibility. His emergence has also been encouraging from an attacking perspective, as Espart registered two goals and two assists in nine appearances across competitions before sustaining the injury during the 2026-27 campaign. Barcelona have already faced defensive selection problems recently, and a strong option until 2027 now limits Flick’s options.