Barcelona could receive a timely boost ahead of their La Liga meeting with Real Betis, with Antony facing uncertainty over his availability for Saturday’s fixture at La Cartuja.
According to SPORT, the Brazilian winger finished Betis’ match against Osasuna with muscle pain and will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the extent of the problem.
His availability therefore remains uncertain, but the injury could leave Manuel Pellegrini without one of his key attacking options against the league leaders.
Antony had already been struggling with ankle discomfort before the Osasuna match, which meant he did not start and only came on in the 72nd minute.
His latest problem has now raised further concerns ahead of a demanding week for the side.
Antony injury could rule him out against Barcelona
Antony was left on the ground after experiencing discomfort, prompting several teammates and Pellegrini himself to approach and check on his condition.
The initial concern now centres on a possible muscular issue, with the medical assessment expected to provide greater clarity.
Speaking after the match, Pellegrini confirmed that the winger would undergo tests on Monday to establish the extent of the injury.
Even if the problem proves relatively minor, the short recovery period could make Saturday’s Barcelona clash difficult to reach.
This is because Betis have little time to manage the situation, with Porto visiting in the Champions League before Barcelona arrive at La Cartuja.
Losing Antony for either fixture would complicate Pellegrini’s selection plans, particularly given the Brazilian’s importance to the team.
Barcelona face third-placed Betis after UCL test
Antony could miss next weekend’s clash against Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Betis have made an impressive start to the La Liga season and sit third with 19 points, level with Atletico Madrid and five behind leaders Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have won all eight of their La Liga matches so far, giving them a perfect record heading into a difficult run of fixtures.
However, their immediate focus is Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Galatasaray in Istanbul, where they will look to secure a second league-phase victory.
Any absence for Antony would be encouraging news for Barça, but Betis remain a dangerous opponent regardless of his fitness, especially after beating Osasuna 5-2 without the winger.
For now, his medical results will determine whether Pellegrini can call on him, and Barcelona will have to prepare for both possibilities ahead of Saturday’s encounter.