Barcelona have endured one of their worst starts to a Spanish Primera Division season with only 4 points from 3 fixtures so far. Everyone, including the Spanish press, have been quick to point fingers at the man in charge, Ernesto Valverde. The former Bilbao manager could not have done much about the situation in all honesty.
Barcelona have spent huge chunks of money in the summer on the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong. Despite the desperate measures the club took to reinforce their squad over the summer, it has not worked for the Catalan side.
Despite all the factors that might prompt someone to lift fingers at Ernesto Valverde, it is imperative to address the fundamental reason for Barcelona’s poor start to the season, i.e. injuries. Barcelona at present have seven players in the sickbay, and two have joined the facility during the international break.
The 4th Official lists out Barcelona’s injury troubles since the start of the campaign.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has not played any role in Barcelona’s 2019/20 season so far. The player has not even made the bench for any fixture and is expected to make his return from a foot injury this month. Lionel Messi’s importance to the team is well known, and his side has really missed him. Barcelona have seemed like a different side in Messi’s absence.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez picked up a calf injury on Match Day 1 itself against Athletic Bilbao at the New San Mames Stadium. The player was substituted in that game when the scoreline was 0-0. Barcelona ended up losing that encounter deep into stoppage time. There is no news yet on the prolific striker’s return from injury, and it could turn out to be a lengthy one. Barcelona does not have any like for like swap for Suarez in the squad and have consequently found it difficult to score the goals.
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele featured in Barcelona’s season opener against Athletic Bilbao and played the entire ninety minutes. Two days following the fixture, Dembele was diagnosed with a hamstring injury, and he is expected to make his return to the side in the last week of September.
Samuel Umtiti
Umtiti pulled out of France’s squad for the international break due to an injury in his foot. The exact details of his absence or his injury are unknown, and it will be a heavy blow for Barcelona.
Nelson Semedo
Another player who injured himself during the International Break is Nelson Semedo. Barcelona’s first-choice right-back picked up an injury in Portugal’s victory over Serbia in the UEFA EURO Qualifiers. Semedo has sprained his ankle and is most likely not to play any part in the proceedings for the month of September.
Neto
Neto arrived at Barcelona in the summer window and yet to have any involvement at the club. The player is nursing a hand injury and is expected to make his return in the present month of September.
