Barcelona teenager Marc Bernal is pushing to be fully fit by preseason after a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
The 17-year-old made a bright start under Hansi Flick last summer, earning a surprise senior debut and starting Barça’s first three La Liga matches. But an ACL and meniscus injury against Rayo Vallecano ended his breakout campaign almost before it began.
Now, after nearly nine months of intense rehab, Bernal says he’s aiming to return in August—right on time for the new season.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Fast-Tracked Recovery Shocks Barça Medical Staff
Bernal’s rehab is ahead of schedule—beating recovery timelines seen with Gavi’s similar injury last season. - 274 Days, One Goal: Return Stronger Than Ever
He hasn’t played since August but has stayed focused, with pre-season as the fixed target. - Barcelona’s Future Midfield Engine Is Almost Back
With Gavi out and midfield depth thin, Bernal’s return could reshape Flick’s plans this summer.
A long way to go for Marc Bernal
Flick quickly spotted Bernal’s talent pre-season and promoted him straight from La Masia to the first team. His early league starts showed the club’s growing trust in the midfielder.
But disaster struck in late August against Rayo. A nasty collision left him with a ruptured ACL and torn meniscus—an injury that keeps players out for most of the year.
He had surgery and started a structured recovery program designed by Barcelona’s medical and performance staff.
At Sunday’s La Liga title celebrations, Bernal said:
“I’m aiming to be back on the pitch in August.”
Recovery ahead of schedule
Bernal hasn’t played since August, but the signs from within the club are good.
According to SPORT, his recovery is going better than expected. They say it’s been “more positive” than Gavi’s was after a similar injury last year.
He’s in the final stretch of his rehab. He’s already doing light training and could join the squad for full training before the end of July.
Barça’s full support
Barcelona has invested a lot in Bernal’s recovery.
He’s had daily physio, tailored strength training, and mental support to cope with the mental grind of a long-term injury. The club kept him close, involving him in team activities when possible, so he stayed connected.
Every phase—surgery, walking, building strength and stamina—was managed. No shortcuts were taken.
The club hopes to have him back for the full pre-season tour, where Flick will shape his 2025/26 squad.
What does this mean for Barça
Bernal’s return comes at a good time. Barcelona’s midfield has been tested, and Gavi has also been missing most of the season.
If Bernal stays on track, he could join a young core of Fermin Lopez, Pedri, and Gavi, giving Flick more flexibility and long-term balance in midfield.
It’s a win for La Masia too, which continues to produce top-level talent.
What’s next?
The season is over, and now Barça will focus on summer planning and squad building under Flick.
Bernal’s goal is simple—start the 2025/26 season healthy and fight for a spot. If he stays on track, he’ll be in pre-season matches and fighting for minutes in Flick’s team.
Now the question is, will he start where he left off?
