FC Barcelona have started La Liga at full speed: 2 matches, 2 victories, and six points out of a possible six. Given the current situation, Hansi Flick is happy with the squad he has and doesn't want to push anyone too hard. He has requested that no one else he trusts leaves in exchange for not making any further signings, a condition that has been accepted by the culer sports committee.
In this regard, there's someone who's very eager to return to action, but who still hasn't received the green light from the coaching staff. Specifically, we're talking about Marc Bernal, a youth academy player who earned a spot in the first team last season, but quickly suffered a serious injury. He's fully recovered from that injury, but Hansi Flick wants to take things slowly: this is the advice from the medical staff.
Return date already set
The plan with Bernal, according to information obtained by "Madrid-Barcelona", is that he'll get minutes again after the international break. There's a date set for his return: the weekend of the fourth LaLiga matchday.
Even though the match still doesn't have a date or even a stadium assigned yet, Flick wants to see Marc Bernal back against Valencia. It will have been a year since his injury and the risk of relapse will be minimal.
The plan is clear: Bernal will be included in the squad list for Barça-Valencia and, depending on how the match goes, he'll get some minutes in the second half. There's no rush, the position is overcrowded, and they want to take the minimum possible risks with the youth player.
Clear message to Marc Bernal
Marc Bernal has wanted to return for a long time. He tried to get minutes in the Joan Gamper Trophy, but Hansi Flick stopped him immediately. According to information from "SPORT", Barça's coach was clear with him in some very affectionate words: "I want you for 15 years, not for a friendly".
He just recently turned 18 and has his whole career ahead of him. He's expected to soon sign a contract renewal and remain linked to Barça for a long time. This is the plan both parties have, clearly working hand in hand.
Bernal has been given Gavi as an example in the locker room. He'll follow the same plan that was used last season with the youth player's recovery. With a lot of calm and patience. There's absolutely no rush and the main goal is to avoid any risk of relapse because he has his whole career ahead of him.