FC Barcelona have confirmed an injury to striker Martin Braithwaite, that will reportedly keep him out between two and three weeks. The forward was hurt during training, suffering a right ankle sprain.
Ronald Koeman had been using Braithwaite primarily off the bench when the team needed a goal, often bringing him on alongside Francisco Trincão to try to get a goal off the bench.
Braithwaite is the only true “number 9” the Catalans have, although he was sometimes deployed as a wing forward.
Over 39 matches for Barça, scoring 7 goals and giving 4 assists over 1,643 minutes. His most important contribution may have been a winning goal in extra time against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.
Up to this point, Braithwaite had been fortunate with injuries. He missed only 3 games so far this season due to fitness, that with a thigh injury.
He is set to miss matches against Getafe, Villareal, Granada, Valencia, and potentially games against Atlético Madrid and Levante as well.