Hansi Flick provides update on Pau Cubarsi's brutal facial injury | OneFootball

Pau Cubarsi was forced to leave the pitch during Barcelona's Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night after suffering a facial injury.

The defender was involved in a brutal clash with Uros Spajic during which the Serbian's boot collided with Cubarsi's face - leaving him unable to continue. The high challenge saw Spajic receive a yellow card, while the Spanish youngster retreated to the touchline for treatment.

Fans were initially worried about the 17-year-old after he nursed several bloody cuts, but Barca manager Hansi Flick was quick to provide a hopeful update.

"He needed stitches, but he's fine," Flick confirmed. "He has a scar, he is young and will recover."

Mundo Deportivo have since revealed that Cubarsi was forced to have ten stitches applied to his face, but there is still hope the youngster will recover in time to face Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Barca delivered a convincing win over Red Star on Wednesday evening, recording a 5-2 victory and continuing their strong run of form in the Champions League. An early Inigo Martinez strike put the Catalans ahead in the 12th minute before Polish striker Robert Lewandowski netted a brace to solidify Barca's lead.

Raphinha and Fermin Lopez bagged two further goals in the second half while Milson's late effort for Red Star proved to be only a consolation in their heavy defeat.

Flick's side will travel to the Reale Arena to face Real Sociedad on Sunday. They sit comfortably atop the La Liga table on 33 points, nine ahead of fierce rivals and reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid.