Sergi Roberto was involved in a rather ugly tackle on Manchester United loanee Andreas Pereira in Barcelona’s Copa Del Ray clash against Valencia.
Roberto was shown a yellow card for his challenge, while Pereira was taken off the field because of a thigh injury.
“According to the tests carried out this Friday on Andreas Pereira the player shows a post-traumatic strain in the vastus intermedius, with an intramuscular bruise and a contusion in his left thigh, he will continue to be monitored in the coming weeks.” Valencia’s official statement about Pereira
Pereira will now face a month on the sidelines due to the injury and came up with a very emotional/motivational message on Instagram following his injury.
“A warrior finds motivation to fight in any situation, and even crawling gets forced to rise up. #Stay strong.” read Pereira’s message.
It was heartwarming to see Roberto reply to Pereira’s message, letting him know that there no malice intended in the tackle and that it was unfortunate that Pereira got injured.
“May you recover soon, you know it was without wanting, a hug!” Roberto said.
Roberto celebrates his birthday today(turns 26) and Barcelona fans would be extremely happy about how he has settled into that defensive role this season.
Roberto’s new contract keeps him at Barcelona until 2022,!
Pereira’s Valencia stint
Jose Mourinho has voiced concern over Pereira’s role at Valencia but is happy that Pereira is getting some important minutes in a very competitive league.
“He’s playing. My only little concern is that he’s playing in a position that doesn’t exist in Manchester United. They’re playing in a total different system than us and he plays in a position that we don’t have. We will need an update in relation to that.
“But the experience he’s having, playing in a good competition, in a good club, in a difficult club because it’s a club with big fanbase, with pressure around, I think is an amazing experience for him and we are happy to let him (stay) there.” Mourinho said.
