Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a right knee injury during Sunday's 4-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, sources have told ESPN.
The promising 21-year-old sustained the injury in the first half at the Metropolitano but continued playing until midway through the second period when Eric García replaced him. Barcelona has issued a statement confirming that Casadó will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate treatment moving forward.
This setback comes during what has been a breakthrough season for Casadó under manager Hansi Flick. After being formally promoted to the first team last summer, he has made 35 appearances across all competitions. His impressive performances at the club level earned him his Spain debut last November.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente had included Casadó in his squad for this week's UEFA Nations League quarterfinal against the Netherlands, but the midfielder has been forced to withdraw. Bayer Leverkusen's Aleix García has been called up as his replacement.
In addition to Casadó, Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez has also pulled out of international duty with Spain this week. Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen has been promoted from the under-21 side to fill Martínez's spot in the squad.
"Tests have confirmed that Martínez has lateral meniscus inflammation in his right knee," Barcelona stated. "He will be treated in Barcelona under the supervision of the club's medical staff."
According to ESPN sources, Martínez, who has formed a solid partnership with Pau Cubarsí in Barcelona's defense this season, is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Casadó's absence deprives Flick of a key rotation option in midfield, although the manager still has several alternatives available, including Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo. Eric García has also been utilized as a defensive midfielder when needed.
Barcelona's only other long-term absentees are goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and midfielder Marc Bernal, while defender Andreas Christensen is expected to return to training soon.
