Barcelona suffered a shock exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Athletic Club on Thursday evening, yet they will be relieved to discover that Gerard Pique was only dealing with an overload in his muscle after having to be withdrawn in the 80th minute.
The veteran defender had suffered a problem in his right adductor, with Samuel Umtiti entering in his place, and he discussed his ailment in the mixed zone afterwards.
"It's an overload, it doesn't seem to be anything serious," Pique confirmed.
This is a welcome relief for Setien after the long-term injuries to both Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.
Pique has been a key player for the Spanish coach since he arrived in Barcelona, just as he was for Ernesto Valverde, but he will get a chance to rest at the weekend away at Real Betis due to suspension, so Umtiti will be given a chance to regain his form.
At the present moment Setien has 14 senior players available, which was facilitated by the club's willingness to allow Carles Perez, Carles Alena, Jean-Clair Todibo and Moussa Wague to depart in the January transfer window.
Bodmasbodmas
367
He’s going forward most of the time,and cannot run back quickly, that’s the reason for poor defense
kecekouz
143
Football is a very funny sport. Just like chess, you make a bad move, you pay for it. I still don't understand the reason behind letting Todibo and Perez go and now as fate will have it, we're short in both positions. This is the worst barca side I've seen in recent times - both as a team and as a football club. The disorganization deserves an award, selling players without caution, players are on silly salaries, performances aren't good enough etc. It's just a mess really, Bartomeu should just step down and let the elections be brought forward. Barca needs to be rescued from the clutches of jokers.