Pau Cubarsi was substituted off in the quarterfinal first leg vs the Netherlands after starting the game. The youngster picked up a knock. Tests revealed that the youngster only has a sprain in his right ankle and not an injury. He was taken off as a precaution, as Spain’s management did not want to take any risks with the 18-year-old centre-back.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, said it was not a serious situation, but they would be cautious.
“Cubarsi only has a small sprain. We hope and want him to be with us on Sunday. In principle, it does not seem serious, and we have to monitor him, but of course, we will not risk anything.”
The news was not a happy one among Barca fans, and even rival captain Virgil Van Dijk expressed concern over Cubarsi’s situation. Van Dijk: “Pau CubarsĂ? He’s exceptional. I think he has enormous talent and is a special player. Just 18 years old and playing at this level, it’s already impressive. He also looks for long passes, a lot, and he’s good at that. I felt sad about his injury.”
Yesterday, Pau Cubarsi left the Spain camp and returned to Barcelona as both the national team and the club did not want to take any risks.
Further tests have ruled out a sprain but the club is still being cautious. There is a centre-back crisis at Barca after Inigo Martinez’s injury and Araujo’s possible unavailability. The centre-back is direly needed on 28th March for the La Liga clash vs Osasuna.
How Barcelona can cope
Although Cubarsi’s absence can not be filled by anyone else, Hansi Flick will have to look for alternatives in case Cubarsi is not fit enough to play. Eric Garcia can be a good option to replace the youngster. Garcia showed signs of improvement under Xavi and has improved immensely under Hansi Flick. Like Cubarsi, he is a La Masia graduate and has good ball-playing abilities, although not the vision that Cubarsi has. Defensively solid and a versatile player who has played in multiple positions under Flick, Eric Garcia can help Barça capture three points vs Osasuna.
Kounde in his previous position
Jules Kounde was originally a centre-back in Sevilla and when he moved to Barcelona. Xavi HernĂĄndez had the idea of moving the Frenchman to right-back because of the lack of a right-back in the squad. Initially, Kounde struggled in that position and would be dribbled easily by the wingers. His performance vs Di Maria at the World Cup final is an example of his hardship at that position. Kounde worked hard and gradually got used to his new position. Under Hansi Flick, he is one of, if not the best, right-backs in the world. However, I am confident he can go back to his natural position and give a solid performance to help secure three points vs Osasuna. Hector Fort, a promising La Masia prospect, can fill in as right-back for now.
