Rodri’s latest fitness problem has intensified concerns at Barcelona, with the midfielder now a major doubt for the club’s upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.
The Spain international was forced off at half-time during Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Aston Villa after reporting discomfort in his right hamstring. Rodri had started the match, but Barcelona’s coaching staff decided not to take any risks with the former Manchester City player.
According to Mundo Deportivo, further tests will be needed to establish the seriousness of the problem. However, the timing has already caused concern at Barcelona, with the important fixture against Atletico Madrid only days away. AS reports that it now appears highly unlikely Rodri will be available for that game.
The latest setback is particularly worrying because Rodri arrived in Catalonia as one of the headline signings of last summer’s transfer window. He joined Barcelona with a huge reputation after an outstanding World Cup and a prolonged transfer saga in which Barcelona defeated their traditional rivals Real Madrid to secure his signature.
There were major expectations that the Spain midfielder would become the new leader of Barcelona’s midfield. His footballing ability has never been in doubt, but he has struggled to cope with a succession of matches and has increasingly experienced physical problems since joining the club.
A report by Foot Mercato said the situation was now causing serious concern inside Barcelona because Rodri was expected to become one of the central figures in the club’s project.
“ This latest setback comes at a difficult time, just a few days before an important match against Atletico Madrid,” the report said. “According to AS, there is genuine concern within Barcelona and his participation in that match now appears very unlikely. While further examinations are still required to determine the seriousness of the injury, his condition has begun to raise questions in the Catalan press.”
Rodri has yet to achieve the consistency Barcelona hoped for since arriving in Catalonia. Just as he appears ready to produce his best form, another injury has interrupted his progress.
In Spain, questions are growing over whether he can withstand the demands of a congested fixture schedule and regain the fitness required to secure a regular starting place. Since the beginning of the season, Hansi Flick has attempted to manage his minutes and protect him as much as possible.
Yet Foot Mercato described Rodri as still appearing physically fragile.
“Every new physical setback now increases concern to the point of questioning his long-term continuity,” it added. “This represents a real dilemma for his coach. Barcelona’s staff must constantly balance the need to protect Rodri with the need to rely on him in decisive matches, as happened against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.”
The report continued: “Under these circumstances, it is difficult to provide the rhythm needed for him to recover his best level. Barcelona clearly hopes this latest setback will not lead to a long absence, but the issue now goes beyond the possibility of missing the match against Atletico Madrid. After joining the club as one of its biggest stars, Rodri must now prove he can regain the fitness needed to meet the huge expectations placed on him. At Barcelona, time is extremely limited.”
