Barcelona Confirm Rodri Hamstring Injury, Midfielder Out for Atletico Madrid Clash

Barcelona have confirmed that Rodri has a hamstring injury. The club said tests showed a minor injury to his right hamstring. He will miss Sunday's La Liga match against Atletico Madrid. That game is on November 8 at the Metropolitano.

Rodri felt discomfort during Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League win over Aston Villa on Tuesday. He was taken off at half-time. Marc Bernal replaced him. Hansi Flick said after the game that the midfielder had felt some muscle pain and asked to come off.

Medical tests followed on Wednesday. The club statement said his exact recovery time will depend on how the injury develops. Barcelona have not given a return date. Spanish media have reported that he could be out for up to a month. That is not an official timeline.

The news is a blow for Barcelona. Rodri joined from Manchester City in the summer. He quickly became a first-choice midfielder. He has made 14 appearances and scored one goal in all competitions this season.

The timing is awkward. Barcelona lead La Liga and face second-placed Atletico on the road. The gap at the top is only two points. The game will be a big test of Barcelona's depth.

Bernal is one of the options to take Rodri's place. He made a positive impression when he came on against Villa. Frenkie de Jong is another option. He is still working his way back to full match fitness after his own injury problems.

There is one small positive for Barcelona. Club football stops for an international break after this weekend. That gives Rodri some time to recover without missing too many extra games. Spain may also have to wait on his fitness.

Rodri has a long injury history. He missed most of a season after a serious knee injury in 2024. Barcelona will want to manage his return carefully this time.