Injured Barcelona wonderkid targeting returning at full strength for pre-season | OneFootball

One of Hansi Flick’s first major calls after taking over the reins at FC Barcelona was to throw a certain Marc Bernal right into the deep end after being impressed with his pre-season performances.

The 17-year-old La Masia gem made his senior debut at the start of the 2024/25 season and featured as a starter in the first three league games before suffering an ACL rupture along with associated meniscus damage against Rayo Vallecano.

Having undergone surgery, Bernal has spent the entire season out on the sidelines, working hard on his rehabilitation and is entering the final stages of his recovery.

Target pre-season for Bernal

During La Liga title celebrations at Montjuic on Sunday, Bernal told media that he was targeting a return to the pitch in August, coinciding with the start of the new season.

However, according to SPORT, the teenage midfielder’s recovery has actually progressed better than initially expected, with more positive signs than those seen in the case of Gavi last year.

Making great strides in his recovery. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

As such, Bernal is now in the final phase of his recovery. While the season ends without him returning to the pitch, he remains fully committed to returning at full strength for pre-season. His priority is to be ready to rejoin the squad at full rhythm ahead of the next campaign.

Barcelona have spared no effort in helping the La Masia gem on the road to recovery.

From psychological support to physiotherapy and tailored physical preparation – everything was made available to Bernal to guide him through a smooth and closely monitored process.

Surgery, crutches, muscle therapy, progressive rehab – all the necessary steps were followed meticulously.

Thanks to this combination of professional care and personal determination, the youngster’s recovery has progressed very well. As such, he is targeting a return for the pre-season hoping to hit the ground running when the campaign begins.