Rodri misses Atlético Madrid match on November 8 after Barcelona injury By Luís Henrique Costa
2 min read
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Barcelona midfielder Rodri has a minor injury to the biceps femoris of his right leg, the club confirmed after medical tests on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The problem appeared in the 3-0 Champions League win over Aston Villa on Tuesday, when he asked to come off at half-time and was replaced by Marc Bernal. The club said he will be sidelined for the Sunday match against Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona gave no return date. Its statement said the recovery timeline “will be determined by the evolution of the injury.” The match against Atlético takes place at the Metropolitano, in Madrid, and Rodri will not play it.
Flick must rework Barcelona midfield for the Atlético clash
The club’s medical staff recommended full caution before Rodri returns to training with the ball. Without him in central midfield, coach Hansi Flick has to adjust the tactics to cover defensive work and the build-up play. Bernal, who came on against Aston Villa, is the natural option at the base of midfield.
Spanish media reports put the absence at about four weeks, which would also rule him out of Spain’s matches during the international break. The hope inside the club is that he can be back for the Champions League clash against Manchester City, his former club, on December 8 at Camp Nou.
Read also: Champions League: Barcelona vs Aston Villa 3-0 at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday
Heavy minutes and earlier muscle problems before the injury
Rodri has played 945 minutes in 14 appearances this season, one of the most used players in Flick’s squad. His workload has drawn attention in recent weeks, and the midfielder had already faced muscle problems.
Those earlier muscle problems forced preventive substitutions in previous matches. The physiotherapy team’s goal is to make him available again at the start of December.
Keep reading: Lamine Yamal scores early as Barcelona lead Aston Villa 1-0 at Camp Nou
