In a major setback for FC Barcelona, Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury during Sunday’s match against Villarreal, which is expected to keep him sidelined for seven to eight

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick insists his team can cope with an increased workload and that he will make no excuses despite having to deal with a lengthy injury list but has joined a growing list of high-profile footballing names calling on UEFA and FIFA to make alterations to a packed schedule.

Barcelona will be under-strength when they make a LaLiga trip to Villarreal, having lost several players to injury, but coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he is confident his squad is strong enough to adapt to the challenges it faces.