Barcelona's injury problems worsen as Franck Kessie suffers thigh issue

Barcelona have announced that Franck Kessie suffered a thigh injury during a training session on Wednesday morning and now faces a period on the sidelines.

The central midfielder was a late substitute in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Inter Milan, appearing for the final seven minutes of his side's 1-0 defeat at San Siro.

Kessie picked up a thigh problem during the club's training session on Wednesday morning, though, with the Ivory Coast international the latest Barcelona player to be ruled out of action.

"The first team player Franck Kessie has a strained adductor muscle in his right thigh. He is ruled out and his recovery will dictate his return," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The injury occurred in training on Wednesday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The midfielder from the Ivory Coast came on in the game against Inter on Tuesday in the 83rd minute, replacing Gavi."

© Reuters

Barcelona also lost Andreas Christensen to injury during the clash against Inter, with the Denmark international picking up an ankle problem in the latter stages of the first period.

"Tests carried out on Wednesday have confirmed that the first team player Andreas Christensen has a sprained left ankle. He is unavailable and his recovery will dictate his return," read a statement on Barcelona's website.

Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Hector Bellerin, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay were all not involved in the game against Inter due to injury problems.

As a result, Xavi's side are currently missing seven first-team players ahead of a busy run of matches, which includes two huge Champions League fixtures at home to Inter and Bayern Munich.

Barcelona will also play another five games in La Liga this month, taking on Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao and Valencia.

© Reuters

Araujo will not be available for selection until at least November, with the centre-back undergoing surgery on a thigh problem at the end of last month.

However, Barcelona are hopeful that Christensen, Bellerin, De Jong, Kounde and Memphis will be available for selection over the next two to three weeks.

Xavi's side have cover in midfield and attack, but the injuries to Bellerin, Araujo, Kounde and Christensen have left them light at the back.

Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia are currently the team's only fit senior central defenders, while Sergi Roberto could be pressed into action at right-back against Celta this weekend.