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Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez will be out for around four weeks due to a hamstring injury

Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez will be out of the team for approximately four weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old centre-back was forced off 28 minutes into Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

A club statement said Martinez underwent tests on Tuesday and is expected to miss “about four weeks” due to an injury to his right hamstring.

The former Real Sociedad defender has become a regular member of Hansi Flick’s side this season, starting all but one of Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League matches.

The recovery time frame means the Spain international is now set to miss Barcelona’s next seven matches in all competitions, starting with their Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Real Betis on Wednesday night.

It remains to be seen whether Martinez’s absence will impact Barcelona’s stance on Ronald Araujo, who was linked with a January move away from the club.

The athlete It has been reported that Juventus is interested in signing the Uruguayan international, who is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2026.

The 25-year-old has been offered new terms, but sources close to the player who are not authorized to speak publicly believe he is worth more than what the La Liga side are offering.

Barcelona will only agree to a permanent sale if a significant offer is put on the table, with Flick keen for Araujo to remain part of his squad.

Flick said about Araujo: “He is a Barcelona player and nothing has changed.” “We are not happy about Inigo’s injury, he is a great player and leader, but we are happy that only four weeks have passed.

“Against Real Madrid, we saw the return of Ronald. He gave a great performance. This is what we expect from him. He is one of the best central defenders and one of our leaders.”

After Real Betis, Barcelona return to action against Getafe on Saturday before resuming their Champions League campaign away to Benfica three days later.

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(Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

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