The 19-year-old had become a regular under Hansi Flick, who had used him on both sides of the defence amid a succession of injuries. His absence creates another selection problem for the Barcelona head coach, with Alejandro Balde among the leading candidates to replace him.
Barcelona confirmed that medical tests had identified an injury to the syndesmosis joint in Espart’s right ankle following a collision during the 2-1 defeat. Balde replaced him in the 30th minute, but his introduction does not guarantee him an extended run in the team.
The left-back has had limited opportunities this season, and Flick has several other options to consider as he attempts to restore balance to a back line already affected by injuries to Jules Koundé, Eric García and Andreas Christensen.
Koundé’s availability is particularly important. The Frenchman has been recovering from a left ankle problem, and his return could allow Flick to use him at right-back, with João Cancelo operating on the opposite side. That would leave Balde competing for a place rather than automatically inheriting Espart’s position.
Cancelo’s versatility gives the coach another option, while Christensen could eventually return to contention after his injury. However, Barcelona would be unlikely to rush the Danish defender straight back into the starting line-up.
Flick has also shown a willingness to consider solutions from the club’s academy. Speaking after the Clásico, he acknowledged the limited options available in defence.
“In the last line of four, we have run out of options and we have to manage the situation. We have players in La Masia; perhaps we have to call them up,” he said.
One possibility is Brian Fariñas, a midfielder who has been used at right-back during pre-season. His ability to fill a different position could allow Flick to keep Cancelo on the left while providing additional cover on the opposite flank.
The coach could also turn to reserve-team defenders Jordi Pesquer, Landry Farré and Guillem Víctor. Pesquer has already been called into the first-team squad, and Flick is familiar with the young players after inviting them to train with the senior group.
Their involvement would represent an opportunity for the academy, but also a risk for a team seeking consistency after consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Balde’s situation remains one of the more intriguing elements of the reshuffle. Despite his experience at first-team level, he has struggled to secure regular minutes, and reports in Spain have suggested the club has considered his future during recent transfer windows.
Espart’s injury could give him a chance to re-establish himself, but his immediate prospects depend on Koundé’s recovery, Cancelo’s deployment and Flick’s willingness to promote younger defenders.
Barcelona host Alavés next, with further important fixtures approaching. Flick must decide whether to rely on experienced players in unfamiliar roles or use the injury crisis to give academy prospects a greater responsibility.
For Espart, the priority is recovery. For Barcelona, the challenge is to find a reliable defensive combination while another promising young player is unavailable.