Relief for Barcelona as young midfielder is available for next week amid fears of fresh injury

Barcelona breathed a collective sigh of relief on Saturday night when it emerged that teenage midfielder Marc Bernal has not suffered a fresh injury and will be available for next week’s UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United. The 17-year-old was withdrawn at half-time of the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés, prompting immediate concern among supporters that he might have aggravated the anterior-cruciate-ligament problem that sidelined him earlier in the season.

Coach Hansi Flick moved quickly to calm those fears in his post-match press conference, explaining that Bernal’s removal was purely precautionary after the player reported discomfort. Subsequent tests have confirmed that the discomfort was caused by an upset stomach rather than any muscular or joint issue, according to a report in Diario AS (h/t Fabrizio Romano). Club medical staff have since cleared the midfielder to resume full training, meaning he is in contention to face the Magpies in midweek.

Bernal’s availability is a significant boost for Flick, whose squad is already light in central midfield following Frenkie de Jong’s ongoing injury absence. The academy graduate has featured prominently since returning from his lengthy lay-off, adding energy and composure to the engine room and helping Barcelona maintain their lead over Real Madrid at the top of the Liga table. While the Catalans are expected to run a final fitness check before naming their starting XI, all indications point to Bernal being passed fit for the European encounter.

Barcelona now turn their attention to the Champions League, where positive momentum and a fully fit Bernal could prove pivotal in securing progression through a demanding phase of the campaign.