Barcelona midfielder’s World Cup could be in jeopardy after foot injury vs Real Betis | OneFootball

Even as FC Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Real Betis in their final home game of the season on Sunday, they were handed a fresh fitness concern.

In-form attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez was substituted at halftime after feeling discomfort in his right foot, and now there seems to be growing concern that the issue could be serious.

World Cup in threat?

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, there are fears that the foot injury could affect Fermin’s participation in the World Cup with the Spanish national team.

The issue began after the academy graduate received a knock to the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, and there is now concern over whether the injury could have consequences for the upcoming tournament.

Fermin suffered a blow to his right foot vs Betis. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Fermin entered the dressing room at halftime during the match against Betis feeling discomfort, and after discussions with both the coaching staff and medical team, the decision was made for him not to continue in the second half.

In fact, he had an appointment scheduled this morning with the club’s medical staff to determine the extent of the problem.

Fracture could lead to World Cup absence

The fifth metatarsal, which connects the little toe to the ankle, is a bone particularly susceptible to stress fractures caused either by repeated impacts or a heavy workload of matches.

Fermin is also known for being a player who fully commits himself in every challenge and duel.

World Cup in jeopardy? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The main concern is that if there is any type of fracture, there is a risk that it could prevent him from taking part in the World Cup or at least delay his participation. Depending on the diagnosis, the appropriate treatment plan will then be decided.

In cases where surgery is required for a fracture of the fifth metatarsal, recovery periods generally do not fall below two months.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is expected to announce his squad list on Monday, May 25. Spain’s World Cup campaign, which concludes on July 19, begins on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta.

That leaves only four weeks for Fermin to fully recover from the injury.