FC Barcelona star sidelined for 12 months due to injury

FC Barcelona confirmed that 17-year-old player Marc Bernal suffered a serious injury during a match, specifically a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee along with an injury to the lateral meniscus. The incident occurred during a game in Vallecas, where Bernal had been performing well before the injury forced him to leave the field. Following the injury, he underwent successful surgery conducted by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, with the club's medical team overseeing the procedure. The club announced that Bernal's recovery is expected to take 12 months, which means he will miss the remainder of the current season and the first four matches of the 2025/2026 season. His anticipated return is projected for after the September international break next year. This significant setback not only affects Bernal's career trajectory but also impacts the team's overall strategy moving forward. In light of Bernal's absence, head coach Hansi Flick will need to adjust his lineup. Defensive midfielder Marc Casado is expected to step up in Bernal's position, alongside Eric Garcia. Additionally, Frenkie de Jong may also be utilized in a partnership role once he recovers from his own ankle injury sustained during El Clasico. The emotional toll of Bernal's injury was palpable in the dressing room, as expressed by Flick, who conveyed his best wishes for the young player's recovery. The team is now faced with the challenge of maintaining performance levels while adapting to the loss of a promising talent.