The Barça-Betis Match Was Marked by the Absence of Íñigo Martínez, who surprisingly remained in the stands. After having played the entire match against Atlético, the Basque center-back suffers from "a small muscle injury in the left leg's gluteus," missing this important match at Montjuïc. Despite everything, Gerard Romero was adamant, reporting that there is nothing to fear regarding the Champions League.
Gerard Romero reassures about Íñigo Martínez
Minutes before the Barça-Betis match started, Gerard Romero spoke clearly on Jijantes. The journalist analyzed his absence for this match. He made it clear that "today he needed to rest" and that his presence for the European match against Borussia Dortmund wouldn't be in danger.
The journalist said "The squad list came out with Íñigo Martínez's absence, from the club it seemed like they weren't going to issue any statement. But with so much noise, they mentioned some minor discomfort."
"In the end, today he needed to rest to be at his best on Wednesday, nothing more. I think we shouldn't worry at all," indicated Gerard Romero.
Íñigo Martínez: A pillar for Barça
This information from Romero has been a reassuring message for all Barcelona fans, who were already worried about this possible absence. Íñigo Martínez has earned his starting position through good performances and now a FC Barcelona without him on the left of the defense is inconceivable. The Basque is in top form and is a true pillar for Hansi Flick, being the defensive leader that was so sought after.
The Pair Formed by Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez Is the Undisputed Starter in This Barça, fulfilling everything Flick asks of his defenders. They are perfectly synchronized and always know how to do everything right, especially playing the offside line. They also offer another important aspect, being the best at playing the ball out from the back in all of Europe.
With doubts about this absence in the Barça-Betis match, Gerard Romero was clear and wanted to avoid any kind of fear among the Barça fans. This rest for Íñigo Martínez was already planned and, although he has some minor discomfort, in principle his presence to face Dortmund at Montjuïc is not in danger. The Basque center-back thus gets a well-deserved rest to recharge and be at his best for the Champions League, where everything can be decided by the smallest detail.