A battle-scarred Pau Cubarsi was left with horrific cuts across his face after he was accidentally kicked in the head during Barcelona’s Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade.
The Catalan giants cruised to a 5-2 victory in Serbia on Wednesday night but there was concern for their 17-year-old centre-half when he was forced in the second-half.
Cubarsi bravely went to head the ball clear but was caught by the boot of Uros Spajic. His Barcelona teammates spotted blood pouring as a result of the challenge with the club’s medical staff quickly coming to his aid.
The teen was replaced by Sergi Dominguez and retreated to the dressing rooms where he was given 10 stitches, Mundo Deportivo report.
Despite the war wounds, the Spaniard appeared in good spirits after the game with his Barcelona teammate Gavi sharing a video showing the youngster smiling and flashing a thumbs up, captioned ‘my warrior’.
The short clip shows the brutal extent of the injuries but reports in Spain claim there is no major concern, believing he could even be available to play against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Barcelona also shared a picture of their young defender with the message: ‘Everything for Barca.’
Cubarsi is considered one of the best young talents in world football, holding down a first-team role at one of the biggest clubs in the world despite his tender years.
Having made his senior debut at just 16, he has further cemented his place in the starting XI this season.
Barcelona took the lead on the night through defender Inigo Martinez after 13 minutes but the hosts levelled up through Silas just before the half hour mark.
Robert Lewandowski scored either side of half-time to give the visitors a comfortable lead with Raphinha continuing his wonderful form with another goal on 55 minutes.
Fermin Lopez rounded off the Barcelona scoring with Milson adding another for the hosts late on.