Relief for Barcelona as young midfielder is available for next week amid fears of fresh injury | OneFootball

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was delighted with the narrow 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday, as it kept the team well ahead of Real Madrid in the league standings.

However, a minor blemish on Barcelona’s night was the abrupt substitution of their in-form midfielder, Marc Bernal.

Bernal started the game against Athletic Club at San Mames but was taken off at half-time. When asked about his substitution during the post-match presser, Flick confirmed it was a precautionary move as the player was feeling discomfort.

This led to immediate fears among Barcelona fans that Bernal may have picked up another injury, having come back from a long-term ACL knock earlier in the season.

No cause for concern

However, Diario AS (h/t Fabrizio Romano) has clarified that Barcelona have no reason to worry about Bernal’s fitness.

No injury concerns for Marc Bernal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The report adds that Bernal hadn’t actually picked up a fresh knock against Athletic Club. He was simply feeling an upset stomach, which led to his substitution at half-time.

The player is fine and will be available for action next week, when the Catalans are slated to take on Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League.

The availability of an in-form player such as Bernal could go a long way in helping Barcelona steer through such an important part of the season.

His availability becomes even more important considering the fact that Frenkie de Jong is currently sidelined with an injury.

Keeping that in mind, everything suggests Bernal may be available in the upcoming game against Newcastle United, although it won’t be surprising to see the youngster go through some tests before he is determined to fit to play again.