Injured Barcelona midfielder to resume full training during England camp as recovery progresses well | OneFootball

After an injury disrupted his summer, Fermin Lopez is back to full fitness both physically and mentally, with the Barcelona midfielder determined to become one of Hansi Flick’s key players this season, reports SPORT.

Fermin has overcome the disappointment of missing the FIFA World Cup and is now fully focused on returning to Barcelona’s first-team setup.

His comeback is being viewed internally as one of the club’s biggest “signings” of the summer, given the impact he had before suffering his injury.

A cruel end to a brilliant season

The setback came on May 17 during Barcelona’s La Liga match against Real Betis, when Fermin fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He underwent successful surgery a few days later.

The timing of the injury could hardly have been worse. Fermin was enjoying the best campaign of his career, recording 13 goals and 16 assists, while being on track to earning a place in Spain’s World Cup squad before the injury ended those hopes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fermín López Marín (@fermin)

At just 23 years old, however, he still has plenty of opportunities to play in future World Cups.

Recovery without switching off

Following the initial disappointment, Fermin accepted the situation and dedicated himself to recovery.

He spent around two weeks with his family in Cadiz on holiday. While the break provided a mental reset, he never stopped working physically.

Barcelona assigned physiotherapist Jose Maria Cortes to oversee his rehabilitation throughout the summer. The pair completed approximately three hours of training each day under a carefully designed recovery program.

Closing in on full training

Fermin reported for pre-season alongside the rest of the squad and has already resumed work on the pitch.

Although he is not yet training normally with the full group, his recovery has progressed ahead of schedule.

Recovery progressing well. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He is already back running and working with the ball, marking the final stages before returning to full team sessions.

Barcelona expect him to travel to the pre-season training camp at St George’s Park in England between July 27 and August 3, where he hopes to train without restrictions.

The club, however, has no intention of rushing his return.

A key player for Flick

Fermin has become one of Barcelona’s most valuable midfielders thanks to his intensity, intelligent movement, goalscoring ability and tactical versatility.

His outstanding performances last season established him as one of the team’s biggest attacking threats, and Flick sees him as an important piece of the new project.

As things stand, the expectation is that Fermin will be ready for Barcelona’s opening game of the La Liga season on August 23 against Elche.