Barcelona defender Espart out for seven weeks after ankle injury against Real Madrid in El Clasico

Barcelona's Xavi Espart (right) got injured during Sunday’s loss to Real Madrid and hence, will be out for seven weeks. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Barcelona defender Xavi Espart will be out of action for seven weeks after sustaining a right ankle injury during Sunday’s loss to Real Madrid.

“Tests carried out have confirmed that Xavi Espart is suffering from an injury to the syndesmosis joint in his right ankle due to a collision with an opposing player in the game against Real Madrid. The player will be out for around seven weeks,” said the Spanish champion in an official statement on Monday.

Coach Hansi Flick was forced to replace Espart with Alejandro Balde at the half-hour mark during the 2-1 defeat against arch-rival Real in the El Clasico.

MEDICAL REPORT Tests carried out have confirmed that Xavi Espart is suffering from an injury to the syndesmosis joint in his right ankle due to a collision with an opposing player in the game against Real Madrid. The player will be out for around seven weeks.

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 26, 2026

The 19-year-old Espart has played nine games for ‌the Catalan club this ​season, with two goals and two ⁠assists. He joins Andreas Christensen, ‌Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia on the list of the side’s defenders who are currently injured.

Joao Cancelo, Balde, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin ‌are the only available defenders ​in the squad.

Espart will miss the trip to Atletico Madrid in La Liga on November 8, along with Champions League matches against Aston Villa, Sabah and Manchester City, among other games.