Bittersweet Debut: Dani Rodríguez's Injury Mars His Debut with Barça

The Valladolid-FC Barcelona (1-2) marked the debut of young Dani Rodríguez with the first team. However, the 19-year-old winger will not be able to take away a good memory of Pucela, beyond the victory of Hansi Flick's team.

The coach took the opportunity to give him his first big opportunity in an XI full of substitutes, with the returns of Ter Stegen and Christensen as the main novelties.

In the 34th minute, the youth player took the worst part after a clash with Adam Aznou. Although he tried to rejoin, the pain in his right shoulder prevented him from continuing on the field.

The conspicuous bandage used by the Barça doctors to immobilize his arm anticipated an injury. Finally, Lamine Yamal entered in his place in the 37th minute, anticipating a change that would probably have been made during halftime.

What injury did Dani Rodríguez suffer in the Valladolid-Barça match?

Once the match at the José Zorrilla ended, the Barça medical report detected an acute dislocation in the right shoulder. His time off will be determined after performing other complementary tests in the Ciudad Condal.

In principle, it is likely that Rodríguez will have to spend at least a couple of weeks with his shoulder immobile. Afterwards, recovery for this type of injury can take from 1 to 3 months, which means that the Basque winger will have said goodbye to the season.

In the 34 minutes he was in action, the 19-year-old completed 15 of 17 passes (88%), with a couple of deflected shots and one lost duel. Still, he looked quite participative and very confident with the ball at his feet.

Hansi Flick, satisfied with the performance of Dani Rodríguez

After the end of the match, Flick praised the work of the youth player during the half hour he was on the field. "He has shown his quality in the time he has played. We have to help him improve, he is part of our team," commented the coach to 'DAZN'.

In that sense, in the press conference after the match he expressed his sadness when the winger's injury was confirmed. "I hope he returns as quickly as possible. I am sad because he recently recovered from an injury."

Dani has missed 24 matches with the reserve team this season due to muscular problems, for which he has played only 10 matches (384 minutes) in the Primera RFEF. Still, he contributed 3 goals and 3 assists for Barça Atlètic.

Now, the player from Astigarraga must focus on optimizing his physique to return to the top in 24/25. If he manages to reach one hundred in the summer, he will surely have the opportunity to travel with the first team to the preseason.