Barcelona B are waiting for the results of medical examinations on Ibrahim Diarra, Dani Avila and Hafiz Gariba on Monday after all three suffered problems in the hamstring area.
The injuries came during a 1-0 defeat by Girona B at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Barcelona B’s first home loss of the season. The fixture was played in difficult circumstances, with the reserve side already missing a number of players because of international call-ups and injuries.
However, the fresh fitness concerns are a greater worry for a Barcelona B squad already dealing with several physical problems under manager Juliano Belletti.
Avila’s injury is particularly concerning given his recent return from a knee problem. He played his first minutes of the season two weeks ago in the 2-1 win over Arnedo and was then rested for the match against Manresa, with the intention of bringing him back gradually.
Instead, he was named in the starting line-up against Girona B after the competition’s single judge ruled that the match had to be played. After only five minutes, Avila felt a sharp pain in the back of his left leg. He left the pitch for the dressing room in tears.
Ibrahim Diarra began the game on the bench, with his previous injury problems prompting the club to handle the Mali midfielder cautiously. He made his first appearance of the season in late September after recovering from a muscular injury, only to suffer another setback.
Belletti gave Diarra eight minutes against Manresa before introducing him in the closing stages against Girona B as Barcelona B attempted to recover from a match they had been expected to fight back in.
But with the team under pressure and forced to give maximum effort, Diarra suffered another muscle tear, this time in the hamstring area. He left the field to applause from the supporters, holding his shirt over his face as he cried in frustration and anger.
His team-mates went to console him, while several Girona B players also offered their support. Belletti showed a similar gesture by waiting for Diarra near the touchline to comfort him.
There is widespread disappointment within Barcelona B because of the midfielder’s considerable ability and his continued difficulty in overcoming recurring physical problems. His injury may also prove to be the most serious in terms of time out, although that cannot be established until the medical results are known.
There is more hope surrounding Gariba. The centre-back completed the full match but left the stadium afterwards, repeatedly touching the hamstring area of his left thigh. Barcelona are awaiting the examinations before assessing the extent of his problem.
