Barcelona defender Espart out for seven weeks after ankle injury against Real Madrid in El Clasico

Barcelona defender Xavi Espart will be sidelined for approximately seven weeks after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico. The club confirmed on Monday that tests revealed an injury to the syndesmosis joint in his right ankle. Manager Hansi Flick had to replace the 19-year-old with Alejandro Balde around the half-hour mark.

Espart has scored two goals and provided two assists across nine appearances this season. His absence worsens Barcelona's defensive crisis, as Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia are also injured. Espart is scheduled to miss LaLiga action against Atletico Madrid as well as Champions League fixtures against Aston Villa, Sabah, and Manchester City.