Sergio Busquets is playing his last season at Barcelona this season, with his current contract at Camp Nou expiring at the end of the season.
Yet, the midfield remains one of the most prominent figures in Xavi’s tactical setup and is going to play a critical role for Barcelona as they take on Inter Milan at the packed Camp Nou this evening.
It is a must-win encounter for the Catalans, in their quest to secure a place in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. For Busquets, it is also a matter of maintaining precaution as well, as the midfielder is running the risk of being ruled out for the game against Bayern Munich.
Indeed, the veteran number six has picked up two yellow cards in the Champions League this season. The third yellow against Inter Milan tonight will rule him out for the Bayern Munich game on Matchday 5, which could serve as a major blow for Barcelona.
Yellow cards for Busquets, in fact, have built quite the connection this season, with the ageing midfielder recording bookings in seven of his eight matches so far, reports Diario AS.
It is quite an unusual tally, especially for a player known for his composure and discipline in the middle of the park. To put things into perspective, the Spaniard has received more than 5 percent of the bookings he had received throughout the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign.
Another key fact worth mentioning is that all of Busquets’ bookings have come in the second half. It could be a potential indicator of the 34-year-old slowing down and becoming more vulnerable during the latter stages of matches.
But either way, Barcelona will expect Busquets to be at his level best, as they play host to the Nerazzurri this evening. His experience and leadership in the middle of the park could go a long way in dictating Barça’s fate in this contest.
