Barcelona are facing growing concerns over Rodri’s physical condition, as the midfielder has struggled to find the consistency expected since his arrival at the Catalan club.
The Spanish midfielder was one of the most high-profile signings of the summer transfer window, arriving with huge expectations following his outstanding performances at the World Cup. Barcelona had viewed him as one of the key figures in their new project and the future leader of their midfield.
However, just a few months after his arrival, the initial excitement has been replaced by concerns over his recurring fitness problems.
According to international media reports, Rodri’s situation has begun to seriously worry Barcelona’s coaching staff, particularly as the midfielder is struggling to cope with the demands of playing consecutive matches.
The latest concern emerged on Tuesday evening, when Rodri started Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa but was forced to leave the pitch before half-time.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the player had felt discomfort in the back of his right thigh, prompting the coaching staff to avoid taking any risks and substitute him.
The situation comes at an inconvenient time for Barcelona, just days before their important clash against Atletico Madrid. Reports suggest that Rodri’s availability for the match is now seriously in doubt, while the extent of the injury is expected to be determined following further medical examinations.
The midfielder’s ongoing fitness problems are putting head coach Hansi Flick in a difficult position.
The German manager must find a balance between the need to have Rodri available for important matches and the importance of protecting him from further physical setbacks.
Since the beginning of the season, Flick has tried to carefully manage the Spaniard’s playing time, avoiding excessive workload. However, successive injuries are making it increasingly difficult for him to regain his desired form and match fitness.
There are concerns within Barcelona that these problems could also affect his long-term consistency in the team.
After arriving with huge expectations, Rodri must now prove that he can cope with the physical demands and become the decisive player the Catalan club’s hierarchy expects him to be.