LIGA F
Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo injured in Clásico thrashing by Barcelona: how long will she be out?
The Colombian teenager was forced off towards the end of her team’s 5-0 Liga F defeat in Montjuïc.
It was a day to forget for Real Madrid as they took on Barcelona in the first Liga F Clásico of the season at Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys. Not only did they suffered a resounding 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the European champions, but they also lost Colombian starlet Linda Caicedo to injury in the closing stages.
How did Caicedo suffer the injury?
The 18-year-old was forced to leave the field in the 84th minute after a collision with Cata Coll, who rushed from her goal to stop Caicedo from pulling a goal back at 3-0. The Barça goalkeeper’s momentum led to her clattering into the striker, whose ankle appeared to twist under her opponent’s legs.
The Golden Girl winner went off in tears and was given a round of applause by the fans in attendance, with the joint quickly swelling up after the challenge. Once said swelling goes down, tests will be carried out to assess the extent of the injury. “I hope it’s as minimal as possible because we need her,” said teammate Ivana Andrés after the heavy defeat.
Initial tests set to be carried out in coming days
Caicedo was helped off the field by two members of the Madrid coaching staff and slowly made her way to the bench and then the dressing room. Even at that stage, the swelling around her ankle was significant, which prevented club doctors from making any kind of initial assessment.
As reported by Relevo and confirmed by AS, tests are expected to be carried out sometime in the next 24 to 48 hours, by which time it is hoped the inflammation will have down. The club are hopeful there has been no serious damage to the ankle bone.
Caicedo a key figure for Real Madrid
An injury to Caicedo would be a huge blow in attack for Real Madrid coach Alberto Toril, who has already lost Caroline Weir and Carla Camacho to anterior cruciate ligament tears. The Colombian has started 11 of her team’s last 12 matches, either in an advanced midfield role or on the left wing.
As a result of the injury suffered in Barcelona, Caicedo is a serious doubt for Las Blancas’ next match away to Swedish side Häcken in the Champions League on Thursday 23 November.