Marc Bernal’s ACL rupture, which will leave him out of action for at least 10-12 months, is a crushing blow for Barcelona. The 17-year-old made an excellent start to his career in the first team, but he will not be on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
His absence means that Hansi Flick is suffering with a lack of depth in the pivot positions. At things stand, he has Pedri and Marc Casado as current options in the first team, although Unai Hernandez could be someone that is promoted from Barca Atletic in the interim. He trained with the senior squad on Thursday, as per MD.
However, it is not he that has been identified as a “replacement” for Bernal. A further report from MD has noted that Flick is betting on Casado and Frenkie de Jong, who is projected to return from a long-term ankle injury in the next few weeks, as the players that will step up in the teenager’s absence.
Barça are trying to see if they can bring in a defensive midfielder on loan. Several offers have already arrived. @tjuanmarti
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 28, 2024
Flick is counting on Casado and de Jong irrespective of whether or not Barcelona can sign a new defensive midfielder before Friday’s deadline. However, there’s no doubt that further depth is needed – that could come from La Masia if a signing cannot be made.
