Barcelona ban players from other sports amid injury crisis

Barcelona are facing a major injury crisis and have been forced to take drastic steps to reduce the risk of losing more players.

The Catalan club have reportedly issued a list of sporting activities that players may not engage in outside of the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training facility. Players will not be allowed to play basketball or padel, two of the most popular sports in Spain.

Likewise players are warned not to complete any additional gym sessions outside of the team’s training regime and solo jogging is banned.

Most clubs have a list of outlawed activities for players, those which are deemed to pose a particular risk to the highly valuable and well-paid athletes. Activities like parachuting and mountaineering are typically banned, while even cycling is sometimes warned against.

Barcelona has advised players that the training and gym work involved in the team’s structured sessions is enough for elite competition. Any additional work brings the risk of muscular overload and freak accidents.

How many players do Barcelona have injured?

Barcelona cruised to the LaLiga title last season but now find themselves in third place after playing a quarter of the season. In their last fixture a depleted team could only manage a 2-2 draw against Granada, a game in which Jules Koundé was forced off with a knee injury.

Currently Xavi Hernández’ side have six players, all of whom would be in contention for a starting berth, out of action due to injury. It is not yet known if any of them will be fit to return for Barcelona’s next game, a home fixture against Athletic Bilbao, on Sunday 22 October.

Xavi considering bringing in Vitor Roque in January

In their run to the LaLiga title last season Barcelona were able to count upon the presence of Robert Lewandowski to lead the line and bring crucial cutting edge to their attack. After the departure of Antoine Griezmann last year there are few alternatives to the veteran Pole in the Barcelona squad and the 35-year-old has struggled with injuries this campaign.

Reports in Spain suggest that Xavi is eager for the club to bring forward Vitor Roque’s move to Barcelona to ease their reliance on Lewandowski.

In July the Roque agreed a deal to move to Barcelona in the summer of 2024, staying with current club Athletico Paranense for the remainder of this season. But with Lewandowski, the club’s only recognised striker, struggling with his fitness the Barça coach wants to bring in the Brazilian youngster in the January transfer window.