Iñigo Martínez, ‘KO’: How long will he be out of FC Barcelona?

Bad news for FC Barcelona. Along with the injury to Marc Casadó, the absence of Iñigo Martínez has also been confirmed. The 33-year-old Basque defender, despite completing the match against Atlético de Madrid (2-4) on the field and seemingly without issues, has recently been officially confirmed to be dealing with a physical setback, marking his second of the 2024-25 season.

THE OTHER INJURY IÑIGO MARTÍNEZ SUFFERED IN THE 2024-25 SEASON:

• 🚑 Rupture of the right hamstring | 20 days out | missed six matches

FC Barcelona, through its various communication channels, has stated that the player from Ondarroa is suffering from internal parameniscitis in the right knee. Therefore, the '5' will not be able to join the Spanish national team, being replaced by Dean Huijsen (AFC Bournemouth), as he is expected to remain in Barcelona to receive treatment under the supervision of the club's medical staff.

🚨 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐒 𝐌𝐄́𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐒 🚨

Tests carried out this morning have confirmed that first-team player 𝐈𝐧̃𝐢𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐳 has internal parameniscitis of the right knee. The player will undergo treatment in Barcelona under supervision… pic.com/lUTUpT1dOF

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) March 17, 2025

• What is internal parameniscitis?: It is an inflammation of the tissues around the inner meniscus of the knee, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Although not a severe injury, it requires rest and physiotherapy for recovery.

How long will Iñigo Martínez be out due to his injury?

Unlike other occasions, FC Barcelona has not provided information on how long Iñigo Martínez will be out due to his injury. Various sources estimate that, given the severity of his physical setback, he is expected to be absent for a period of two to three weeks. This situation would make him miss a total of three matches:

• vs. Girona (30/03) - Matchday 29 of LaLiga EA Sports
• vs. Atlético de Madrid (02/04) - Copa del Rey 'semis' return leg
• vs. Real Betis (05/04) - Matchday 30 of LaLiga EA Sports

If the aforementioned timelines are met, he is expected to be available for the first leg match of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on April 9.

Ronald Araujo: The ideal alternative to replace Iñigo Martínez after his injury

With this in mind, Hansi Flick will have to quickly adjust his starting eleven after losing his trusted left-back, who is his master in the masterful execution of the offside trap, one of the main creators of offensive plays from the backline, and his impenetrable guardian. Fortunately, despite Iñigo Martínez's injury, the German coach has alternatives to replace him, with the most suitable option being the inclusion of Ronald Araujo in his place or, alternatively, Eric García.

It's important to note that the other two options for the central defense, Andreas Christensen and Jules Koundé, have limited chances of being used in that position, with the former due to injury and the latter due to his established role as a full-time right-back.