Guijarro to Miss 12 Weeks with Broken Foot, Impacting Barça

FC Barcelona midfielder Patricia Guijarro has been sidelined for the next 12 weeks due to a broken bone in her foot, the club announced on Thursday. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s match, where Barça secured a victory away from home. Guijarro was substituted in the 73rd minute, marking a significant loss for both her club and national team.

The injury means Guijarro will not return to action until 2026, missing a series of crucial fixtures. FC Barcelona, currently undefeated in all competitions this season with nine wins, faces a demanding schedule ahead. This includes a key match against Real Madrid on November 16, 2023, and a Champions League clash against Roma on November 20, 2023. In addition, Guijarro’s absence will impact the Spanish national team as she is set to miss next week’s two-legged UEFA Nations League semifinal.

Guijarro is not the only player facing injury issues at Barça. Striker Martyna Pajor was also ruled out for up to six weeks due to a knee injury. This leaves the squad particularly short on forwards, prompting the team to adapt their strategy. Against Roma, an attacking midfielder may need to fill the No.9 position, which has raised concerns about the team’s attacking options.

On the other hand, FC Barcelona has more depth in the midfield. Young talents such as Claudia Pina and Gina Chmielinski are expected to receive increased playing time in Guijarro’s absence. Additionally, defender Andrea Pereira could step up to bolster the squad’s midfield options.

Guijarro has had an impressive season thus far, featuring in eight matches, scoring twice, and providing three assists. Last month, she was recognized for her contributions to the sport, finishing sixth in the prestigious Ballon d’Or rankings. Her influence has been pivotal in Barça’s successes, helping the club secure six Liga F titles and three Champions League trophies over recent years.

As FC Barcelona navigates this challenging period, the focus will be on how well the team can adapt without one of their key players. The upcoming matches will be crucial not just for the team’s standings but also for maintaining morale in the face of adversity.