Injured Barcelona starlet provides update on possible return – ‘Will be ready to return around…’

Barcelona may have reason to smile beyond their recent La Liga triumph, as one of the club’s most promising young talents, Marc Bernal, has offered a highly encouraging update on his long road to recovery.

The 17-year-old midfielder was forced out of action in August last year after suffering a serious knee injury during a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. 

Just as he was beginning to establish himself under new manager Hansi Flick, Bernal endured a crushing setback, an ACL tear, accompanied by damage to his outer meniscus in the left knee. The diagnosis ruled him out for the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign.

Since then, updates on the teenager’s progress have been few and far between. While Barcelona have kept much of his rehabilitation process under wraps, there has been quiet optimism behind the scenes that Bernal could be fit in time for pre-season.

That optimism was fuelled further during Barça’s La Liga title celebrations at Montjuïc. Speaking to the media, Bernal offered fans a direct and uplifting update regarding his condition:

“I think I’ll be ready to return on the pitch around August this year,” he stated with confidence as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Putting in extra efforts

Marc Bernal has provided update on his return from injury. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Behind that brief sentence lies months of relentless work. According to earlier reports, Bernal has been putting in the hours at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, gradually building strength and mobility through a carefully supervised recovery programme. 

Step by step, he’s been progressing, with the ultimate aim of being ready to compete by the start of next season.

Given his performances before the injury, mature beyond his years, and tactically intelligent, Flick will no doubt be eager to reintroduce Bernal into the squad once he’s fully fit. 

The German coach has shown a clear preference for nurturing young talent, and Bernal’s versatility in midfield makes him a particularly valuable asset in a team looking to evolve tactically.

If he continues on this trajectory, Bernal could effectively feel like a new signing come August, a youthful boost to a squad hoping to build on their recent domestic success and push deeper in Europe.