The bitter taste of defeat in the last minute of the match against Roma still lingers, but what’s even more concerning is the injury sustained by Vivian, which has become one of the major worries of the night. As the team struggles to come to terms with the loss, the focus has shifted to the extent of Vivian’s injury, with coach Ernesto Valverde expressing his concerns during the post-match press conference. “It’s a muscular problem, we’ll see tomorrow,” he said, his tone laced with worry. The club has since released an official medical report, confirming that the player has suffered a “moderate muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg.”
The medical report, as is often the case, omits any specific timelines for recovery, instead stating that Vivian’s condition is “pending evolution.” One thing seems certain, though: Vivian won’t be donning the red and white stripes again until after the international break. This means he’ll miss the upcoming league matches against Mallorca and Sevilla, as well as the return leg of the Europa League round of 16 against Roma. The injury has added to Valverde’s headaches, particularly for the rematch against the Italian side, as he’ll also be without Yeray, who was sent off in the first leg. This could lead to an intriguing defensive pairing of Núñez and Paredes, or even the possibility of seeing a player like Prados playing out of position.
Assessing the Impact
The loss of Vivian is a significant blow to the team, and his absence will be deeply felt in the upcoming matches. The injury has not only raised concerns about the team’s defensive solidity but also highlighted the importance of having a strong squad depth. As Valverde navigates this challenging period, he’ll need to rely on his players’ versatility and adaptability to fill the gaps. The return leg against Roma, in particular, will be a test of the team’s mettle, and Valverde will need to make some tough decisions to ensure his side comes out on top.
Key Matches Ahead
The team’s schedule is packed with crucial matches, and the absence of Vivian will be felt in each of them. The upcoming league matches against Mallorca and Sevilla will be tough tests, and the team will need to be at their best to secure positive results. The return leg against Roma, however, is the most critical match, and Valverde will need to devise a strategy that compensates for the loss of Vivian and Yeray. With the international break looming, the team will have some time to regroup and reassess their strategy, but for now, the focus is on finding a way to overcome the challenges ahead.
- Mallorca (league match)
- Sevilla (league match)
- Roma (Europa League round of 16 return leg)
As the team looks to bounce back from the defeat and navigate the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: the absence of Vivian will be deeply felt, and Valverde will need to dig deep to find the solutions to overcome the obstacles and lead his team to success.
