Barcelona’s young midfielder Marc Bernal suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during Tuesday’s victory over Rayo Vallecano, casting a shadow over the team’s perfect start to the season. The 17-year-old had to be substituted in the dying moments of the match, with fears that he could be out for a significant portion of the campaign.
Coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment at the injury, stating that it was a bittersweet victory for Barcelona. Bernal’s standout performance prior to the injury had been a highlight of the team’s early season success, adding to the injury crisis in the midfield with key players like Frenkie de Jong and Gavi already sidelined.
Despite his young age, Marc Bernal had made a strong impression on the Barcelona coaching staff, earning his debut in the season opener against Valencia. Playing a crucial role in the midfield, Bernal showcased his talent alongside other young prospects in the squad, such as Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal.
With the transfer window approaching its deadline, Barcelona has been faced with decisions on how to address Bernal’s potential long-term absence. Flick remains confident in the squad’s depth and ability to cover for the injured players, emphasizing that there is no need for panic signings at this time.
Prior to Bernal’s injury, Barcelona had reasons to be optimistic about their season, with Dani Olmo making a successful debut for the club by scoring a late winner against Rayo Vallecano. The victory propelled Barcelona to the top of the LaLiga table with a perfect record, marking their best start to a season in recent years.
As Barcelona prepares to face Real Valladolid in their next match, they will have to regroup and adjust to the absence of Marc Bernal in their midfield. The team’s resilience will be tested as they navigate through the challenges of injuries and international breaks in the coming weeks.