According to BBC on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Barcelona have suffered a major setback after one of their key midfielders was ruled out for four weeks due to an injury, forcing him to miss the highly anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid.

The injury comes at a difficult time for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who is preparing his team for Sunday's important clash against their biggest rivals. The absence of the midfielder will force the German tactician to consider alternative options as Barcelona look to secure a positive result against Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants are expected to miss the services of the midfielder for approximately one month, meaning he could also be unavailable for several other important matches during his recovery period.

The injury is particularly disappointing for Barcelona because of the timing. El Clásico is one of the biggest fixtures in world football, attracting millions of supporters and carrying enormous significance for both clubs. Barcelona will now have to prepare for the encounter without a player who offers creativity, technical quality and attacking support in the middle of the pitch.

The midfielder's ability to link up with teammates, create scoring opportunities and contribute to attacking moves makes him an important option in Flick's system. His absence could affect the team's balance, especially against a Real Madrid side that will be eager to take advantage of any weakness.

Flick must now decide who will step into the vacant position and how best to adjust his tactics for the encounter. Barcelona have other midfield options available, but replacing the injured player could prove challenging given the importance of the match.

The club will also be concerned about the number of fixtures the midfielder could miss during his recovery. With domestic and European competitions continuing, Barcelona need their squad to remain fit and competitive throughout the season.

However, the club's medical team will prioritise his recovery to ensure he returns to action without suffering further complications. Rushing him back before he is fully fit could worsen the injury and lead to a longer absence.

For Barcelona supporters, the news represents a significant disappointment ahead of a match they always look forward to. The team must now focus on finding the right solution and ensuring that the absence does not affect their preparations.

Although Barcelona will miss the midfielder's contribution, Flick will hope the available players can rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance against Real Madrid.