The central defender of Barcelona, Pau Cubarsí, suffered a serious facial injury during the match against Red Star Belgrade.
The injury occurred in the 63rd minute when Serbian player Uroš Spajić attempted to strike the ball, while the Spaniard attempted to clear it with his head. As Cubarsí bent down, he received an unintentional kick directly to the face, resulting in a significant hemorrhage.
This incident immediately raised alarm among his teammates on the pitch, who quickly called for medical staff and asked for the substitution of the 17-year-old player.
The live television broadcast avoided showing a close-up of the FC Barcelona central’s face; however, the expressions of his teammates indicated that the injury could be serious.
After receiving initial aid on the field, Cubarsí left the pitch on his own, bloodied, and headed to the locker room for further treatment by the club’s doctor, who later reported that ten stitches were needed to close the cut on the player’s jaw caused by the incident.
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With Several Stitches! This is How Cubarsí’s Face Ended Up After a Strong Kick in the Champions League Match | RPP News
The Catalan footballer was substituted in the match by his teammate Sergi Domínguez, who continued to play the remainder of the game while Cubarsí received treatment in the locker room.
Although the wound poses no life-threatening risk and does not compromise the player’s health, the team is still uncertain if he will be able to participate in the next scheduled Champions League match.
According to videos and photos shared on social media, Pau Cubarsí is doing well and remains in good spirits, aiming to return to the starting lineup for the next Barça encounter.
Despite the incident, FC Barcelona triumphed over Red Star with a five-goal victory, leaving them just three points behind Liverpool, the current league leaders.
