Barcelona's Ferran Torres 'set to miss five weeks with thigh injury'

The 23-year-old has been in strong form for the Catalan giants during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Torres started against Osasuna on Wednesday, but he had to be substituted in the early stages of the clash due to an injury, and the Spain international was in tears as he left the field.

According to journalist Javi Miguel, tests revealed that the forward had suffered a tear in the thigh muscle of his right leg, which is set to keep him on the sidelines for the next five weeks.

If that proves to be the case, Torres will be absent for Barcelona's next six matches, including the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Napoli on February 21.

Barcelona now have nine first-team injuries, with Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, Raphinha, Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix and Sergi Roberto also unavailable for selection.

The Catalan outfit managed to record a much-needed 1-0 win over Osasuna on Wednesday, with Vitor Roque netting his first goal for the club in the 63rd minute.

"We played a good game today, but we lacked a bit of composure in the final third," Xavi told reporters during his post-match press conference. "We needed a reaction, and that's why I think my decision was correct. We needed the unity of the masses.

"We have to improve technically, but the reaction in terms of strength, aggression and speed in the match I think was very good. It was a reaction match and our reaction was good, three important points, a goal from Vitor and clean Sheet, but we must improve."

Meanwhile, addressing Torres's injury, Xavi added: "There will always be injuries because it is clear that the schedule is criminal. We played nine games in January, almost all of them away from home, many trips and a small roster. There are many injuries because of the calendar.

"Ferran noticed something in his hamstring and we hope it is something small. It is unfortunate that he was injured because he was in a great moment.

"It's a shame about Ferran, the other day we gave him a rest due to his fatigue and the minutes he was accumulating. In intensity there are few like him, a shame because his absence will be noticeable.

Barcelona have another three La Liga matches against Alaves, Granada and Celta Vigo before heading to Napoli for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest.

Xavi's side are currently fourth in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Girona on the same number of matches (22).