Once so spoiled by success, FC Barcelona seems to be haunted by bad luck.

When the Argentinian star striker Sergio “Kun” Agüero suddenly collapsed last Thursday in the 40th minute of the first division game against Deportivo Alaves, grabbed his chest and gasped for breath with a fearful look, it almost seemed like a symbol for the overall condition of the traditional club.

Since Lionel Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in August after 21 years in Barcelona, ​​things have not worked for the Catalans at all.

The coffers empty, coach Ronald Koeman fired, almost a third of the regular team injured, the fans annoyed, the stadium only moderately full, and only ninth place in the league.

After his collapse, 33-year-old Agüero was brought to the hospital by ambulance directly from the Camp Nou stadium at home, and the diagnosis was cardiac arrhythmia.

The player, who only came to Barcelona on a free transfer in May after ten successful years at Manchester City, will be absent for at least three months.

And whether he can really play again next year is currently in the stars.

Because now a heart specialist should first determine treatment measures for an effective course of therapy.

The center forward had been out for weeks with a calf injury and was only just playing his second game for FC Barcelona.

And replacements can only be committed in the next year at the earliest during the winter transfer period.

Xavi and "other options"

The list of injuries at the club of the German national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is long.

In the game against Alaves, Gerard Piqué also suffered a strain in his calf muscle, which should keep him out for a long time.

Then there are the Danish center forward Martin Braithwaite, who will probably not be available until the end of the year, and young star Pedri and Sergio Roberto, both of whom are currently out of action due to muscle injuries.

Despite everything, coach Sergi Barjuan could perhaps stay in office for more than a few weeks.

Because the favorite to succeed Koeman, club idol Xavi Hernández, is under contract in Qatar as head coach of Al-Sadd SC until 2023.

According to the media, there is currently intense negotiations about an early change.

But Barça also have “other options,” President Joan Laporta said recently.