Official: Barcelona settle Rodri's situation for Atlético clash

The club ends the controversy

Barcelona have confirmed Rodrigo Hernández will miss the eagerly awaited clash with Atlético Madrid after suffering a muscle injury. The midfielder is ruled out of Sunday's twelfth-round La Liga fixture.

In an official statement on their account on the "X" platform, Barcelona revealed the player underwent medical tests after feeling muscular discomfort during Tuesday evening's Champions League meeting with Aston Villa.

Those tests confirmed a minor injury to his right hamstring. Rodri will miss the Atlético Madrid clash, and the duration of his absence will depend on how his condition develops over the coming period.

Rodri had felt the muscle pain against Aston Villa, prompting Hansi Flick and his coaching staff to haul him off at half-time and send on Marc Bernal in his place. Barcelona led by a goal to nil at the break.

The Catalans went on to win 3-0 on their own patch in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Raphinha struck twice, in the 52nd and 64th minutes.

That victory handed Barcelona a major boost in their European campaign, lifting them to nine points. Aston Villa, meanwhile, tasted their first defeat of the league phase after a perfect start of three straight wins.

A head-to-head clash for the top of La Liga

Rodri's absence lands at an awkward moment. Barcelona are bracing for a hugely important test against Atlético Madrid on Sunday at the Metropolitano, in the twelfth round of the Spanish league.

The stakes could hardly be higher. Barcelona sit top with 30 points, while Atlético trail by just two in second. Win, and the Madrid side snatch the summit. Lose, and they hand Barcelona the chance to stretch their lead over one of their fiercest rivals.