Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have stitched up a formidable partnership as Barcelona’s double pivot over the past year, and displacing either of them from the lineup will take something special.
One player who is still considered to have what it takes to replace one of the two players in midfield immediately and for the long term is Marc Bernal, the player who suffered an ACL injury exactly a year ago.
Bernal has been one of the club’s standout academy midfielders across youth categories and is seen to be one of the finest young defensive midfield talents. He has been working hard towards a return to the field and is now closer than ever before.
Just around the corner
As relayed by Adria Albets in a recent report, Bernal’s wait could come to a quick end as the coaching staff, the doctors and Hansi Flick himself plan to clear the youngster medically to be available for the team’s game against Valencia.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 24: Alex Berenguer of Athletic Club is challenged by Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on August 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Bernal could return against Valencia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
While he has been a part of Flick’s plans right from pre-season, he has not featured for the club as the manager wished to ensure he is 100% fit before returning to the field.
In fact, he even recently told the player he wants him fit for the next decade and a half and to thus stay patient.
Now, he could well make his long-awaited return to the field in Barcelona’s first home game of the season, which the club still harbour hopes of playing at the Spotify Camp Nou in mid-September, right after the international break.
In any case, his complete reintegration into the team will be gradual and over a few months, just as Flick cautiously managed Gavi’s return last season.
It is, however, for the greater good, and Bernal must thus prioritise his complete fitness over a rush for prominence.