Barcelona have been relatively injury-free over the course of the season, but saw two of their players go down on international duty at the under-21 Euros on the opening day of competition. One of them is set for surgery.
Spain were up against the hosts Slovakia on Wednesday, and after going 2-0 up in the opening 20 minutes, were forced to find a late winner through Cesar Tarrega after Slovakia had mounted a second-half comeback. La Rojita will face Italy and Romania in their remaining group games.
Barcelona have two players with Spain at the tournament, with Gerard Martin and Pablo Torre both starting. Both were performing well, but would not make it to the end of the match due to injury, with Martin coming off at half-time, and Torre taken off 13 minutes into the second half.
Martin had suffered a hand injury, and Jijantes report that he has suffered a break. The 23-year-old has flown back to Barcelona to undergo surgery – it is not yet clear how long he will be out for. The fact that he has left the Spain camp for surgery suggests his tournament with the under-21 side could be over though.
🚨 NOTICIA @JijantesFC
Gerard Martín tiene roto el meta de la mano derecha. El jugador será intervenido de forma inmediata. Martín viaja hoy mismo hacía Barcelona para ser operado.
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) June 12, 2025
Meanwhile Torre came off with muscle discomfort, and so far there has been no update on his injury either.
Martin enjoyed a decent debut campaign for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, and was set to be Alejandro Balde’s alternative next year too. Yet following interest from the Premier League, with three teams looking at him, it has emerged that the Blaugrana would be willing to cash in on Martin. The asking price is reportedly €12m.
Hansi Flick will call up Ibrahim Diarra for pre-season. The coach wants to see the 18-year-old Malian striker from up close. @tomasandreu68, @monfortcarlos
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 12, 2025
As a result, Barcelona are now on the lookout for potential left-back opportunities on the transfer market, should an offer for Martin arrive. Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo has voiced a desire to return to the Blaugrana.
