A key Barcelona defender suffers a devastating major injury blow, leaving Hansi Flick short on defensive options.
The youngster, who has been in Hansi Flick’s thoughts for the long-term rebuild of the backline, was seen as one of the most exciting left-sided options at the club, combining energy, intelligence in possession, and the kind of tactical discipline that fits perfectly into Barça’s high-line, high-intensity approach.
His progress this season had quietly moved him closer to the first-team picture, making this setback both a sporting and emotional hit for the dressing room and coaching staff.
That defender is 18-year-old Jofre Torrents, who suffered a serious knee injury while on duty with the subsidiary side, collapsing shortly after coming on and immediately signalling that something was wrong, as reported by Diario Sport.
He had to be helped from the field by medical staff and was unable to put weight on his left leg, with early impressions raising fears of significant ligament damage rather than a simple knock.
For a player who had already tasted first-team involvement and was building momentum, the timing could hardly be worse.
Torrents’ injury arrives at a moment when Barcelona are carefully managing depth at full-back.
Alejandro Balde is working his way back, Gerard Martín has been emerging as a useful option, and João Cancelo has also filled in across both flanks, but the plan was for the teenager to continue growing in parallel, ready to step in more regularly over the next season.
His ability to get up and down the flank, read pressing triggers, and stay calm on the ball made him a natural fit for Flick’s structure.
The images from the pitch – team-mates urgently calling for medical help and the player visibly distraught – underline why there is so much concern.
The club now awaits scan results to determine the exact extent of the damage and the likely recovery time.
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