Barcelona is about to get back one of its youth academy players with the most potential. Marc Bernal will put on his kit again more than a year after his injury against Rayo Vallecano. This setback abruptly halted the progress of a footballer expected to become important in the culer midfield.
The recovery has been long and demanding. During these months, Bernal has worked quietly, completing a specific plan designed by the club's medical staff and closely supervised by Hansi Flick, who hasn't wanted to take any risks with his return.
A year marked by injury
Everything started just over twelve months ago, in a league match against Rayo Vallecano. Bernal suffered a serious injury that kept him off the field and left him with no chance to establish himself with the first team. The wait has been tough, but it has also helped him mature and strengthen his tremendous competitive mentality.
The coaching staff has followed a progressive plan to try to minimize possible risks as much as possible. Hansi Flick doesn't want any relapses and that's why he has managed the timing with patience.
The opportunity against Valencia
The schedule has made Bernal's return happen in a perfect setting. The match against Valencia on September 14, supposedly at Spotify Camp Nou, corresponding to matchday 4 of LaLiga. The German coach's idea is for the midfielder to get some minutes and start regaining his feel for the game in a competitive context.
Fate, moreover, is somehow smiling on him. According to "Sport", Gavi is still dealing with discomfort in the knee he seriously injured and, being cautious, will miss that match. That opens the door for Marc to take his theoretical minutes, entering the rotation naturally.
Competition and trust in the future
Marc Bernal's return is excellent news for Flick, who sees in him a midfielder with range, good ball distribution, and the physical ability to cover ground. His direct competition will be Gavi, but also players like Pedri, De Jong, or Casadó.
Hansi trusts that, with proper management, Bernal can regain his level and bring balance to the midfield. The goal isn't just for him to return, but for him to become a reliable and consistent footballer.
A return that excites Barça
The culer fans will welcome back a youth academy player who embodies the spirit of La Masia: sacrifice, talent, and commitment to the club. Bernal is ready to feel like a Barça player again and the match against Valencia could be the first step in a new stage of his career... now wearing number 22.
With Gavi out, the opportunity couldn't be better. Now everything depends on whether Marc Bernal knows how to take advantage of it and confirms the hopes Barcelona has placed in him.