Why Barcelona star was taken off at half-time vs Real Betis

An explanation for the early withdrawal of Barcelona star Gerard Martín during the club's latest outing has come to the fore online. This comes amid the understanding that the defender has picked up a minor fitness problem.

Martín was for his part in from the off once again this evening, as Barca made the trip to Seville for a La Liga meeting with high-flying Real Betis.

Upon the Blaugrana emerging from the tunnel for the 2nd-half, however, the Spaniard was nowhere to be seen, replaced by Eric García in the visitors' backline.

And as alluded to above, an explanation for precisely why has since surfaced in the Spanish media. As per a report from journalist Nil Sola:

'Gerard Martín substituted at halftime as a precaution. Ankle sprain, which hasn't worsened.'

Late in proceedings at La Cartuja, Hansi Flick's Blaugrana find themselves headed for another three-point haul, leading by four goals to two.