Sergio Busquets suffers broken jaw in Atletico Madrid draw

Sergio Busquets’ participation in the remainder of the season is in doubt after the Barcelona midfielder suffered a broken jaw in their 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday afternoon.

The 32-year-old was involved in a hefty clash of heads with Atleti defender Stefan Savic on the half-hour mark, and although he tried to continue upon receiving treatment, he eventually surrendered and left the field in serious discomfort.

Barça have confirmed that Busquets suffered a broken jaw in the collision, and although he is ‘progressing favourably,’ his participation for the rest of the season hinges on how he recovers over the coming weeks.

“Sergio has a facial contusion with an upper maxilla fracture and is progressing favourably. His recovery will determine his availability,” a statement read.

Busquets was taken to hospital for tests after the final whistle, with fears that he had suffered a concussion during the collision with Savic. That outcome would have forced the Spanish star to sit out the next two games against Levante and Celta Vigo due to head injury protocol, but Barça mentioned no such issue in the statement.

This injury still comes as a major blow to Barça supporters as their players head into the final three games of the season in the midst of a fierce title race. La Blaugrana sit two points behind Atleti at La Liga’s summit, while Real Madrid lie only a point behind while holding a game in hand.

Busquets is crucial to the balance of the Barça midfield, adding the steel and sturdy platform needed for the more attacking stars to shine. His absence was felt in the final hour of Saturday’s stalemate with Atleti, as La Blaugrana allowed their visitors several good chances to win the game.

Coach Ronald Koeman will have to wait and see whether Busquets could be cleared in time for their next La Liga fixture, when they take on Levante on Tuesday evening.