The positive news about Marc Bernal’s recovery is received with caution by Barcelona

Marc Bernal’s injury early in the season is both a great tragedy for the player and an important hypothetical moment for Barcelona. Hansi Flick would have benefited from at least the depth, but also his poise on the ball in recent weeks.

Bernal tore his ACL late in a win over Rayo Vallecano in September, after starting his first three games of the season. Sport reports that his recovery is going very well so far, and that normally the work he does with elastic bands and strengthening his muscles usually takes longer in cross injuries that affect the meniscus.

Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace), Álvaro Carreras (Benfica) and Hugo Bueno (Feyenoord) are on the radar for the left-back position. Alphonso Davies remains out of reach. Mitchell, whose contract expires in June, is a leading candidate. @sport

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 24, 2024

However, that is unlikely to allow him to return before action. Barcelona wants him to spend at least a year recovering from the injury, as was the case with Gavi. They do not want his injury to have long-term repercussions, so they will keep him out until next September.

The 18-year-old midfielder had not made his debut until this season, but from the beginning he was destined to play a key role under Hansi Flick. Bernal had been operating as a holding midfielder, but operated as a number eight last season for Barça Atletic.