World Cup squad hopes in doubt for Barcelona midfield star after Betis injury scare | OneFootball

With the 2025-26 season almost over, especially for FC Barcelona, who have already won La Liga and do not have anything else left to compete for this season, the players would already be looking forward to the upcoming summer, which is going to be quite a fruitful one.

Alongside the upcoming transfer window, the next major focus of the football calendar will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and which is expected to involve several Barcelona players with their national teams.

However, one Barcelona player is now dealing with a worrying situation ahead of that tournament. Fermin Lopez is currently a doubt after suffering discomfort in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during the recent match against Real Betis, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

The midfielder was already feeling pain when he reached the dressing room at halftime, and after speaking with the coaching staff and medical team, it was decided that he would not continue in the second half.

The discomfort did not fully settle afterwards, which has led to further concern inside the club and the need for medical tests to assess the full extent of the issue.

Fermin is scheduled to undergo examinations with Barcelona’s medical services today to determine whether there is any more serious damage, with the main concern being a possible injury to the bone itself.

If a fracture is confirmed, it could put his World Cup involvement at risk or, at the very least, delay his arrival with the national team, depending on recovery time and treatment decisions.

The fifth metatarsal, which connects the little toe to the ankle, is an area that is particularly sensitive to stress-related injuries, especially for players who are as intense in duels as Fermin. In cases where surgery is required, recovery is never expected to be under two months, which leaves very little margin with the tournament fast approaching.

The situation also comes at an important moment for Spain, with national team coach Luis de la Fuente set to announce his squad on Monday, May 25, just days away. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta, which adds further urgency to the timing of his diagnosis.

Fermin, who has already had a demanding recent period, now awaits the results that will determine whether this setback remains just a scare or turns into a much more serious blow ahead of the biggest stage in world football.