Sports

Rodri’s Recurring Hamstring Issues Raise Concerns Ahead of Atletico Madrid Clash

By Ahmad Salah

Rodri, the Spanish midfielder who joined Barcelona last summer after a high‑profile transfer that saw the club outbid Real Madrid, was expected to become the new midfield leader. However, a series of injuries have turned enthusiasm into worry. According to Foot Mercato, the situation has begun to seriously alarm Barcelona, as Rodri is meant to be a key pillar of the club’s project.

On Tuesday evening, Rodri started the Champions League tie against Aston Villa but had to leave the field before the end of the first half. Mundo Deportivo reported that he felt discomfort in the hamstring of his right knee, and the technical staff chose to substitute him to avoid further risk.

AS noted that the injury comes at a difficult time, just days before an important match against Atlético Madrid. The club’s press is now questioning whether Rodri will be available for that game. Further examinations are required to determine the severity of the injury, but his condition has already begun to raise concerns in the Catalan press.

Rodri has struggled to find consistency since arriving in Catalonia, with repeated injuries undermining his chances to secure a starting place. Coach Hansi Flick has managed his minutes to protect him, yet the midfielder still appears fragile. Foot Mercato added that each new physical setback raises doubts about his long‑term continuity, creating a dilemma for the coaching staff between protecting him and relying on him in decisive matches.

The club hopes the latest setback will not lead to a lengthy absence, but the problem now extends beyond missing the match against Atlético Madrid. Rodri must prove he can regain the physical fitness required to meet the high expectations placed on him, and time is extremely tight at Barcelona.