Barcelona prodigy counting the days until his return after recovering from serious injury | OneFootball

Exactly one year ago, on 27 August 2024, Marc Bernal’s progression as a first-team player for Barcelona was cruelly halted.

In an unfortunate collision with Isi Palazon during the final moments of the match against Rayo Vallecano, the teenager suffered a torn ACL and damage to the external meniscus in his left knee.

Now, after a long recovery process, his return is drawing ever closer.

Marc Bernal sends a message

Indeed, Bernal himself posted a story on his Instagram account, recalling his post following the injury in Vallecas last year.

Most significant were the emojis he added: an hourglass and an arrow accompanied by the word “BACK”.

With this, Bernal made clear that he is counting the days until he returns to the squad and gets back to playing for Barcelona.

Photo courtesy: Instagram

This comes after reports confirmed that the midfielder is close to receiving the medical all-clear and that the 18-year-old will likely return to the squad after the international break in September.

This would mean Bernal will be available at Hansi Flick’s disposal for Barcelona’s fourth La Liga fixture of the season against Valencia, scheduled for the weekend of 13-14 September.

Bernal being eased back into aciton

Since his arrival in Barcelona, Flick has not hesitated to look towards the youth academy. And Bernal seized the opportunity given to him by the German tactician in pre-season last year and earned a starting place in the opening La Liga matches.

As such, the injury came as a severe setback for the La Masia midfielder, but since then, he has enjoyed the support and confidence of his coach and the technical staff.

During pre-season, no risks were taken by rushing his return, considering his age and the long career that lies ahead of him. The objective is to allow him to regain competitive rhythm step by step until he is once again at 100 per cent.

Flick is expected to take a similar approach to the one he took with Gavi post the midfielder’s return from ACL injury last season, i.e., ease him back into action gradually without rushing things.