The Barcelona star has been suffering from a “hidden injury” for more than six months

Last summer, due to their ongoing financial problems, Barcelona were unable to replace Sergio Busquets with a high-level replacement. In the end, they opted for Oriol Romeu, who joined the club in a low-cost operation from Catalan rivals Girona.

Despite a promising start, Romeu has struggled massively in recent months, and has just been called up by coach Xavi Hernandez, who has also chosen to play defender Andreas Christensen as a pivot in front of the 32-year-old.

It has now been revealed that one of the main reasons for Romeo's struggles this season has been due to a 'hidden injury'. As reported by RAC1the problem in his knee was detected during his Barcelona medical last summer, but the club opted to sign him anyway, because they needed a new defensive midfielder.

The problem has worsened in recent months, which has seen Romeo follow a conservative treatment program – he was told that surgery would be the best option, but he refused it because he wants to help Barcelona from here on out . of season

In the last games, Romeo played only 65 minutes, like Barcelona they have taken the decision to minimize his workload in training and matches so that he is as fit as possible for the run-in of the season, during which the Catalans hope they will fight for a title.