Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has moved to calm fears over defender Gerard Martín's fitness, confirming the young Spaniard avoided serious injury during Wednesday's tense derby clash with Espanyol.

Martín, who has emerged as an important squad player for the Blaugrana this season, left the pitch in visible discomfort during the second half of the 2-1 victory at the RCDE Stadium. The 22-year-old appeared to clutch his knee after a challenge, immediately sparking concern among Barcelona supporters watching what could have been a season-defining injury at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Flick offered reassurance about his defender's condition. "Gerard is okay," the German coach said, according to Yahoo Sports. "It was a knock, nothing serious. We will assess him properly tomorrow, but I don't expect him to miss significant time."

The timing of any potential absence would have been particularly problematic for Barcelona, who face a demanding fixture schedule in the coming weeks. The Catalan giants are preparing for a crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg while maintaining their push for the La Liga title, making squad depth essential.

Martín has made 18 appearances across all competitions this season, serving primarily as cover for first-choice left-back Alejandro Balde. His versatility and willingness to fill in when needed have made him a valuable asset for Flick, who has managed multiple injury concerns throughout the campaign.

The derby victory itself provided Barcelona with vital three points in what remains a tight title race. Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha secured the win despite a late Espanyol consolation, maintaining Barcelona's position near the top of the table as the season enters its final stretch.

Barcelona's medical staff will continue to monitor Martín over the coming days, but Flick's positive assessment suggests the defender should be available for selection when needed. For a squad managing the demands of competing on multiple fronts, avoiding another injury setback represents welcome news as the season reaches its climax.

The Blaugrana return to action this weekend before turning their attention to European competition, where squad fitness could prove decisive in their pursuit of silverware.