Barcelona youngster likely to receive the medical all-clear after the international break | OneFootball

Barcelona wonderkid Marc Bernal has been training with the group for some time after recovering from his ACL injury.

In fact, the young La Masia graduate had already started pre-season working almost at the same level as his teammates and taking part in all activities at the same pace.

However, both the coaching staff and the medical team have always taken a very cautious and prudent approach with long-term injuries.

Marc Bernal to return against Valencia in September

Now, according to AS, Bernal is expected to receive his medical clearance only after the international break, coinciding with Barcelona’s first home match of the season, against Valencia, on the weekend of 13-14 September.

Closing in on a return. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

This means that Bernal will have been out for more than a year in total: the midfielder was injured on 27 August against Rayo Vallecano, suffering a torn ACL in his left knee with meniscus involvement.

It is true that some within Barça had initially forecast the possibility of him shortening the recovery period, even putting the Gamper Trophy match as a potential return date.

But the coaching staff have preferred to be more conservative and take as few risks as possible. Therefore, even though the player has been training with the squad for some time, almost another month of waiting will be required before his return.

Barcelona employed a cautious approach with Gavi last season when he was recovering from a similar injury and the same path will be followed with Bernal, with no risks being taken.