Official: Barcelona midfielder undergoes successful surgery; out for three months | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have officially confirmed that midfielder Fermin Lopez underwent surgery for a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.

The injury was picked up during Barcelona’s clash against Real Betis in the penultimate round of La Liga, and the timing could hardly have been worse for the young Spaniard. 

What initially appeared to be a worrying knock has now turned into a lengthy absence that is expected to keep him out for close to three months.

Barcelona released an official statement confirming that the operation took place at Hospital de Barcelona under the supervision of the club’s medical department. 

The club also provided details regarding the specialists involved in the procedure.

“Doctor Antoni Dalmau Coll performed the operation at Hospital de Barcelona, which was supervised by the Club’s Medical Services.”

The club then added: “His evolution will determine the recovery time.”

Out of the World Cup

While Barcelona remain hopeful that Fermin will return in time for the beginning of next season, the injury has already caused major disappointment on both club and international level.

In that regard, the biggest personal blow will be the World Cup heartbreak. Fermin had already done enough to secure his place in Spain’s final squad after regularly featuring under coach Luis de la Fuente. 

Fermin Lopez is out of the World Cup. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

His inclusion in the preliminary 55-man list had all but confirmed his chances of travelling to the tournament. Now, those plans have completely collapsed, as he is out of the World Cup altogether.

Just bad luck

Even though the recovery timeline currently points towards a return before the next campaign officially starts, foot injuries can often require careful management.

Barcelona will now hope the midfielder’s recovery progresses smoothly because losing one of their most dynamic young talents for any longer than expected would create another unnecessary headache ahead of a crucial season.

For now, though, Fermin must prioritise his fitness above everything. Sure, missing out on the World Cup squad is disheartening, but he is still young and will surely get more opportunities in the future.