Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto is set to undergo surgery on his right thigh after sustaining an injury.
He has not been able to feature for Barca since playing an hour in the 1-0 LaLiga defeat away to Rayo Vallecano on October 27 — former head coach Ronald Koeman’s last game in charge.
The 29-year-old Spaniard has started just six games in all competitions this season, featuring in another six off the bench, and has not completed 90 minutes this term.
Roberto’s 568 minutes of playing time have also been split between central midfield and right-back or right wing-back as the La Masia graduate’s versatility was utilised by Koeman.
When he returns from surgery, he will hope to force his way into new head coach Xavi’s thinking and earn more consistent minutes, either in a fixed position or as a utility player.
Roberto registered two goals and an assist in Barca’s first three league outings, coming off the bench in the first two of those appearances.
Barcelona’s next game is at home against Real Betis as the Blaugrana look to close the 10-point gap that has opened between themselves in seventh and league leaders Real Madrid.