Barcelona midfielder ruled out of UCL clash against Atletico Madrid but will return soon | OneFootball

Marc Bernal’s injury was perhaps the biggest cost of Barcelona’s recent win over Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

The midfielder, who initially replaced the injured Ronald Araujo in the first half, picked up a knock and was replaced at the hour mark.

Bernal’s knock immediately caused panic within the Barcelona camp, as the youngster is currently one of the most in-form players in the team.

Bernal ruled out against Atletico Madrid

According to Helena Condis (h/t COPE), Marc Bernal has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal first leg tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

This is a massive blow for the Catalans, who were banking on the services of the young midfielder, especially in the absence of Frenkie de Jong.

Bernal won’t be available against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Bernal hasn’t disappointed either and already has five goals to his name this season, making him one of the most productive midfielders in the team.

His absence effectively leaves Hansi Flick with minimal options in the middle of the park, given that de Jong is not available either.

However, the report adds that Bernal’s injury won’t take long to recover, and the player should be available for the return leg. One would assume he might miss one more match in between, with Barcelona slated to face local rivals Espanyol next weekend in La Liga.

Meanwhile, Araujo, the other casualty from the Atletico Madrid game, appears to have avoided an injury as his knock wasn’t serious at all.

The Uruguayan international is expected to be in contention to feature against Atletico Madrid this midweek, although whether or not he will start remains a big question, especially with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde also back.