Ronald Koeman without his Martin Braithwaite option
The striker is out for two to three weeks with an ankle sprain
Martin Braithwaite has suffered a sprain on his right ankle in training on Tuesday. Barcelona have not said how long he will be out, but AS report it’s between two to three weeks.
The forward’s injury has happened at a vital moment in La Liga, with Ronald Koeman losing his bench striker. The Dutchman used the Dane regularly earlier in the season but lately he’s been a reserve, along with Francisco Trincao.
Koeman tends to throw them on when he’s looking for a comeback. Braithwaite, while not a pure No 9, is the closest that the coach has to that in his squad. The forward has been used in various positions, including out wide, or as the main striker.
It was his goal that helped Barcelona come back in the cup semi-final against Sevilla. Koeman has found him to be a disciplined, hard working player who can help press or help out in defence at times on the flank.
This season he has seven goals and four assists in 39 games, playing 1,643 minutes. He has had just one injury until now, a thigh problem that cost him three games.
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