Rodri Expected to Miss Atlético After Reported Right-Thigh Problem

Overview

• Rodri felt muscular discomfort in his right leg during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Aston Villa and was substituted at halftime, according to coach Hansi Flick and match reports.
• Barcelona scheduled medical examinations for Wednesday to assess the issue and confirm whether the problem is a biceps femoral (posterior thigh) injury.
• Multiple outlets report the injury rules Rodri out of Sunday’s match at Atlético Madrid and that he is likely to return only after the November 22 international window, though the club has not issued an official recovery timetable.
• Marc Bernal replaced Rodri at halftime and is the reported candidate to start in his place in a midfield with Frenkie De Jong and Gavi if Rodri is unavailable.
• Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City in August and has been a regular midfield organizer, so his absence could alter Barcelona’s title-race plans and influence Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s Nations League selection.