'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMpplr//xAAhEAACAgEDBQEAAAAAAAAAAAACAwEEBQAiUQYREiExMv/aAAgBAQABPwDHWXjXhVi4cPvDDENAO0yUO3CyeJ8R9xxGsv1LiU5a6orV+uQPMZSomyC935jf8jX/xAAYEQACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADEf/aAAgBAgEBPwCpA66Z/8QAGREAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgABAwQT/9oACAEDAQE/ALT5SkIr/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Barcelona have learned the potential return date for their fast-rising star Marc Bernal, who injured his ACL last month. The midfielder is expected to spend up to one year on the sidelines after undergoing surgery, the Catalan giants have confirmed.
Marc Bernal's impressive start to life under Hansi Flick was one of the standout developments among other positivities at Barcelona at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign. The midfielder fit in the German's set up like a glove and was gradually establishing himself in the team with eye-catching performances.
Unfortunately, all that progress has experienced an abrupt halt, thanks to an ugly injury he picked up in August. The 17-year-old tore his ACL during the 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga the last time out.
The Catalan giants have now confirmed that Bernal has undergone a successful surgery and is now expected to spend up to 12 months on the sidelines.
“Marc Bernal, successfully operated on his injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus of the left knee by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the Club’s Medical Services, at the Barcelona Hospital,” the club announced in an official statement (via Barca Universal).
“The expected recovery time is 12 months,” the statement added.
Before picking up the injury, Bernal started each of Barcelona's first three La Liga fixtures. He's missed one match so far since the injury - a 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Matchday 4.
What's next for Barcelona following Marc Bernal's injury?
The midfielder's unavailability is a big blow to Barcelona considering his progress and their squad depth this season. Fortunately, Hansi Flick will welcome the likes of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong from injury in the coming weeks while players like Marc Cassado and Eric Garcia could offer some solution in the pivot role.
Up next, the Catalan giants will go head-to-head with Girona in their next La Liga game at the Montillivi Stadium. The clash, which has been scheduled for Sunday (September 15), promises to be epic as two familiar foes go all out for the three points.
After that, Hansi Flick's men will kick off their Champions League campaign with a face-off with Ligure 1 giants Monaco away from home on Thursday (September 19).
