Rodri injury rules him out of Barcelona's Atletico showdown

The Spain international was substituted at half-time during Barcelona's impressive 3-0 Champions League victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday. Medical tests carried out on Wednesday confirmed a minor injury to his right hamstring, ruling him out of the trip to the Metropolitano.

Barcelona have not given a timescale for Rodri's recovery, but the international break could provide him with an opportunity to regain fitness. Spain are scheduled to face Czechia on November 12 and England three days later, with coach Luis de la Fuente due to announce his squad on Friday.

If Rodri misses international duty, Barcelona will hope to have him available for their next league match against Villarreal on November 22. The midfielder has quickly become an important part of the team since arriving from Manchester City, making 14 appearances in all competitions and scoring once.

There was better news for Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on Wednesday, with defenders Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen both returning to training. Their availability would provide a welcome boost as the club's defensive injury problems begin to ease. Jules Kounde, however, is still recovering from an ankle injury.

Barcelona will remain without Xavi Espart, who is expected to be sidelined until the end of the year, while Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji are also unavailable. Flick will therefore have several selection decisions to make ahead of a demanding encounter against Diego Simeone's side.

The Catalan club have responded well to consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, recording victories over Alaves and Aston Villa. However, Sunday's meeting could prove another significant test of their title ambitions, with Barcelona leading the standings on 30 points from 11 matches, two ahead of Atletico, who have won their last seven league games.