Just hours before tonight’s derby, Barcelona suffered a blow. Ferran Torres has undergone emergency surgery for appendicitis and will miss the rest of the season.
He was due to start against Espanyol tonight in what could be a La Liga title-winning match. Instead, he was taken in for surgery last night and will be out for the rest of the season.
He had the operation at Hospital de Barcelona, with doctors Coroleu and Borras and the club medical staff. The operation was a success.
“Appendicitis overcome!! It’s time to support the team tonight to be champions of La Liga!” Torres wrote on Instagram, with a positive update despite the setback.
Top form, bad timing
Ferran has been in top form. he’s played 45 matches this season, 19 starts, and 1,921 minutes. 19 goals and 7 assists, his best season ever at 24.
In La Liga, he’s played 27 matches, scored 10 goals, and made 6 assists, according to StatMuse. He’s been one of the most consistent attacking threats for Barcelona under Flick.
His best moment was in El Clásico, where he gave 3 assists to Real Madrid, a match that showed his evolution from fringe player to key player.
Injury timing is bad for the title push.
With 3 La Liga matches left, Barcelona will have to close the season without a player who has delivered in big moments.
Ferran offered flexibility. He could play wide, through the middle, or as a false 9. His work rate, pressing, and off-the-ball runs were essential in tight games where goals don’t come easily.
He averaged 0.42 goals per 90 and over 4 touches in the opponent’s box per game, numbers that show his value beyond the numbers.
Barcelona’s title push is still on track.
Despite Ferran’s injury, Barça are still top of the table. According to La Liga Points Table, Barça are top with 82 points from 35 matches. 26 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses; 95 goals and 36 conceded; +59 goal difference.
A win tonight against Espanyol will make them champions.
Hansi Flick will now have to rely more on Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski to cover the absence of Ferran. All eyes will be on the coach in one of the most important matches of the season.
Ferran Torres quote
After the operation, Ferran addressed the fans directly:
“Appendicitis overcome!! It’s time to support the team tonight to be champions of La Liga!”
The message went viral on social media, with teammates and fans flooding the post with well-wishes and title hopes.
What’s next for Barcelona?
Ferran’s recovery timeline will extend beyond the end of the season, but his contribution is already etched into Barça’s campaign.
Should Barcelona win tonight, it will be a title clinched without one of their standout performers on the pitch, but not without his influence over the season.
The title is within reach. Can Flick’s side finish the job without Ferran? All eyes turn to the RCDE Stadium tonight.
