Barcelona Midfielder Still Out Following Long-Term Injury Lay Off

Marc Bernal is not expected to be with Barcelona as they prepare for their La Liga opener on Saturday night against RCD Mallorca.

After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the beginning of last season, the 18-year-old midifelder has been recuperating for the past year.

After spending the entire preseason with the first team, Bernal has been back in training for a while. The youngster , meanwhile, stayed in the stands despite rumors that he may be returning to action in the Joan Gamper trophy.

Given that Marc Casado, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi can all fill his midfield role, the Blaugrana don’t really need him right now.

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But according to MD as reported by Football Espana, Bernal won’t be able to battle it out with them until at least September.

Although the Spaniard’s recuperation is proceeding according to plan and he is working at the same level as his teammates, they project that he won’t be able to play again until September, following the international break.

He may make a comeback on September 14th, when Barca play their first home game of the campaign against Valencia.

Barcelona Giving More Time For Youngsters To Recover Fully From Serious Injuries

For younger players recovering from cruciate ligament injuries or other severe injuries, the Blaugrana have established a new recovery criteria.

The Catalan club’s medical team believe that players who are still developing should recover more slowly and cautiously, even if some senior players have returned in recent years after as little as six or seven months.

In a similar vein, it took Gavi slightly over 11 months to recover from his ACL injury.