Barcelona B face injury concerns as Ibrahim Diarra and Dani Avila suffer hamstring problems

Barcelona are waiting for medical results on Ibrahim Diarra, Dani Avila and Hafiz Gariba after all three Barcelona B players suffered problems in the hamstring area.

The trio are due to undergo examinations on Monday, with the club concerned that the reserve side’s 1-0 defeat by Girona B at the Johan Cruyff Stadium could have brought further injury problems as well as their first home loss of the season.

Barcelona B had been forced to play despite difficult circumstances, with a large number of players absent because of international call-ups and injuries. The demands placed on Giuliano Belletti’s squad appear to have taken a heavy physical toll.

Avila suffers early setback

Dani Avila had only recently returned from a knee injury. He played his first minutes of the season two weeks ago against Arnedo, when Barcelona B won 2-1, and was then rested for the match against Manresa.

His return was expected to be managed gradually, but the circumstances led to him being named in the starting line-up against Girona B after a decision by the competition’s single judge.

After only five minutes, Avila felt a sharp pain in the back of his left leg. He left the pitch and went to the dressing room in tears.

Diarra injury adds to concern

Ibrahim Diarra began the game on the bench, with the Mali midfielder’s previous injury problems requiring particular caution. He had made his first appearance of the season in late September after recovering from a muscle injury, only to suffer another setback.

Belletti used Diarra for eight minutes against Manresa before sending him on in the closing stages against Girona B, as Barcelona B attempted to recover from a match they were obliged to try to turn around.

However, amid the fatigue caused by the circumstances surrounding the team and the need for maximum effort, Diarra suffered another muscle tear, this time in the hamstring area.

He left to applause from the crowd, holding his shirt over his face as he cried in frustration and anger. His team-mates went to console him, while several Girona B players also offered support. Belletti showed his concern by waiting for Diarra on the touchline to comfort him.

The injury has caused particular sadness within the reserve team because of Diarra’s considerable ability in midfield and his continued struggle with recurring physical problems. His absence could also be the longest of the three, although that will not be known until the medical tests have been completed.

There is greater optimism over Hafiz Gariba. The centre-back completed the match, but repeatedly touched the back of his left thigh after the final whistle, prompting concern that he may also have suffered a hamstring problem.