Overview
- Barça Atlètic confirmed damage to the internal collateral ligament in Xavi Espart’s right knee sustained during Spain U19 training.
- The club set a recovery window of eight to ten weeks, likely pushing his return into January.
- The layoff stalls the 18-year-old’s rise after recent first-team squad inclusions under Hansi Flick.
- Internal plans had earmarked him to spell Jules Kounde at full-back while keeping Eric Garcia at centre-back.
- He will also miss the Espanyol B derby for Barça Atlètic, prompting short-term adjustments to the reserve back line.