Xavi Espart Adds to Barcelona's Injury Woes Ahead of El Clasico After Champions League Knock

Barcelona's preparations for El Clasico have been complicated by yet another injury scare, with teenager Xavi Espart emerging as a fresh doubt for Sunday's La Liga showdown against Real Madrid.

Espart, who has enjoyed a superb start to the season, shone again in midweek in the Champions League against PSG. The Catalans may have lost the match 4-2, but the youngster impressed at right-back and scored his first Champions League goal for the club during the game.

Ankle Knock Forces Early Exit in Paris

However, Espart also picked up a knock to his ankle during the match, which was why he was substituted in the 74th minute, according to Mundo Deportivo. The change was described as a precautionary move due to some ankle discomfort, and the hope is that he will be fit for Sunday's match against Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick will certainly be hoping that Espart is ready to go, with his defensive options already thinning badly.

A Growing Defensive Crisis

Flick is already without Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen for the Clasico, while Jules Kounde is not expected to return in time for the match against Madrid. Kounde's fitness had been in serious doubt since an ankle sprain, with reports as far back as 21 October flagging fears he would miss the game.

Gerard Martin is also still carrying a knock, with the defender admitting after the game in Paris that he still hasn't quite shaken off a niggle picked up against Betis.

The accumulation of injuries leaves Flick with precious little room for manoeuvre at the back as Barcelona build towards one of the biggest fixtures of their season.