Barcelona have officially announced that Marc Bernal suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during their recent victory over Rayo Vallecano. The club disclosed that Bernal will be undergoing surgery in the upcoming days to address the injury. Although the exact timeline for his recovery has not been confirmed, it is expected that the young player will be sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to the severity of the ACL tear.
The Devastating Blow
The unfortunate incident occurred in the closing moments of Barcelona’s 2-1 triumph against Rayo Vallecano, as Bernal sustained the injury while attempting a tackle. The gravity of the situation was immediately apparent, casting a somber shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion for the team. Coach Hansi Flick expressed his dismay during a post-match press conference, lamenting the loss of Bernal and the impact it had on the squad’s morale. Despite securing their third consecutive victory in LaLiga, the mood within the dressing room was far from celebratory.
At just 17 years old, Marc Bernal had emerged as a promising talent for Barcelona, making his debut in the season opener against Valencia. His impressive performances during preseason caught the attention of coach Flick, earning him a spot in the starting lineup for the league matches. Positioned at the heart of the midfield, Bernal showcased his potential alongside other youthful prospects such as Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, both also 17-year-olds. Unfortunately, his progression has now been disrupted by the unfortunate injury setback.
In other developments, Barcelona confirmed that young left-back Álex Valle has been loaned out to Celtic for the season. Valle, aged 20, recently signed a contract extension with the club until 2026 before heading to Scotland. The decision to send him to Celtic was motivated by the opportunity for Valle to gain experience playing in the prestigious Champions League. This move comes after Valle spent the previous season on loan at Levante, where he garnered positive reviews for his performances.
Overall, Barcelona’s promising start to the season has been overshadowed by the untimely injury to Marc Bernal, leaving the team to regroup and adjust to the absence of a key young talent on the rise. The club will be hoping for a swift and successful recovery for Bernal as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead in the season.