Barcelona confirm Sergio Busquets ankle injury

Barcelona have confirmed that club captain Sergio Busquets "sprained the external lateral ligament of his left ankle" during Sunday's La Liga clash with Sevilla.

The 34-year-old was forced off in the early stages of the encounter at Camp Nou, with the club's head coach Xavi revealing after the match that he had "twisted his ankle".

"Tests will be performed on Busquets tomorrow. He twisted his ankle. I guess he has a sprain, we'll see how severe it is," said Xavi when questioned after the 3-0 win over Sevilla.

Barcelona have now completed the medical tests, and it has been determined that the experienced midfielder has sprained the lateral ligament in his left ankle.

The Catalan outfit have not put a timeframe on his potential recovery, but there have been suggestions that he could be missing for the remainder of the month.

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"Tests on Monday morning have revealed that first-team captain Sergio Busquets has sprained the external lateral ligament of his left ankle. He will be unavailable for selection until he recovers," read a statement on Barcelona's official website.

"Following a clash with [Youssef] En-Nesyri in the seventh minute of the game with Sevilla on Sunday at Spotify Camp Nou, the midfielder had to make an early exit from the proceedings.

"Sergio has featured in all but two of Barca's 20 league games so far this season, as well nine games in other competitions."

Busquets is highly unlikely to be available for next weekend's La Liga clash with Villarreal, while he is also allegedly a major doubt for both legs of their upcoming Europa League knockout round playoff against Manchester United, with the two sides first set to lock horns at Camp Nou on February 16.

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There remains widespread speculation surrounding the midfielder's future at club level, as his contract with Barcelona is due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Xavi said at the weekend that it would ultimately be up to Busquets to decide whether he wants to continue his stay at the club or sign another deal, with a number of MLS clubs said to be interested.

"In the end, we all work together and the decision is his. We are waiting to see what he decides. He is a very important person inside and outside, he is the captain," the Spaniard told reporters.

"He is part of everything and he has earned the right to decide his future. If he can continue, I'd be delighted."

Busquets has again been a vital player for his Catalan side during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 27 occasions in all competitions, contributing one assist in the process.