Barcelona defensive ace likely to be available vs Atletico Madrid after injury fear

Barcelona defensive ace likely to be available vs Atletico Madrid after injury fear

Barcelona head into a crucial Champions League second leg with some positive news emerging from their injury front, as they look to overturn a first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid.

Gerard Martin had given the Blaugrana a scare in the derby against Espanyol, having to be withdrawn at half-time in what looked like a concerning moment for Hansi Flick’s defensive options.

Martin expected to be fit

As it turns out, however, there is little reason for concern surrounding the full-back’s fitness ahead of Tuesday’s second leg.

According to Diario SPORT, Martin does not have an injury, with his substitution against Espanyol having been purely precautionary.

The defender worked in the gym during Sunday’s recovery session to relieve his legs, with the expectation that he will train normally on Monday before travelling to Madrid with the squad.

Gerard Martin will be available vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick was also keen to ease any concerns in his press conference, stating, “I think it’s not too serious. I think he can play on Tuesday.”

If there are no last-minute setbacks, Martin is expected to start in the heart of the defence – a role that carries added importance given that Ronald Araujo’s partner Pau Cubarsi is suspended after picking up a red card in the first leg.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not Hansi Flick fancies the defensive combination of Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo.

Martin and Araujo partnership would perhaps make more sense given the left and right combination. But a lot will depend on his fitness levels.

Barcelona have maintained in the past that they will not risk fielding players who are not hundred percent fit and if the same happens to Martin, he may have to settle for a place on the bench.