Pau Cubarsí trained wearing a mask alongside his Barcelona teammates during the morning session at the Joan Gamper Sports City on Saturday, as they prepare for their upcoming match in the thirteenth round of La Liga against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Sunday at 21:00 hours. The young Blaugrana central defender suffered a severe blow to the face and was a doubt for this fixture. Dani Olmo missed training due to discomfort, while Lamine Yamal was working out in the gym.
The injury Pau Cubarsí sustained on the right side of his face last Wednesday in the Champions League match against Red Star was quite alarming. A fierce kick from an opposing player caused a deep laceration, resulting in considerable bleeding on the pitch. He had to be substituted following the injury, and nine stitches were applied in the locker room.
The Barcelona player was in the home team’s area when he connected with a low cross. An attempt to clear the ball by a Red Star player resulted in his foot striking Cubarsí’s face, causing the gash and a dramatic scene due to the blood.
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Barcelona players quickly called for medical assistance. The young defender lay on the ground, in pain, before he exited the field with a bloodied head. Hansi Flick acted promptly, opting to substitute him and introduce another La Masía gem, Sergi Domínguez, as the match was already decided.
After the match, in a press conference, Hansi Flick confirmed that his young defender was well, highlighting that he was young and would recover. However, on Friday, when Luis de la Fuente announced the Spanish national team list, Pau Cubarsí was notably absent, as was the under-21 team. The national coach explained, ‘He had a significant wound with nine stitches. There was no point. We understood that we shouldn’t take risks.’
It is, therefore, surprising to see Pau Cubarsí included in Barcelona’s squad for Sunday despite not being called up for the Spanish national team during this November window due to his serious facial cut. The Federation has prioritized the player’s health, but the Blaugrana club might take a chance. The player trained with the protective mask, indicating his eagerness to play against Real Sociedad. The final decision, however, rests with Hansi Flick.
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