Barcelona confirms Bernal ACL injury
Barcelona has confirmed that 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal will miss most of the season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Bernal, who made his Barca debut in its win over Valencia on the opening day, sustained the injury in the closing stages of its 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano.
The midfielder had featured in all three of Hansi Flick's three league games in charge and had settled in well to his midfield having starred during pre-season.
"It's a sad victory because Marc Bernal is injured," Flick said after the victory at Estadio de Vallecas.
"We win, it's OK, but when you see the dressing room nobody is happy.
"It's not good. He made a fantastic match – 17-years-old, such a performance. It hurts."
Bernal completed 148 of his 160 attempted passes, boasting a pass accuracy of 92.5 per cent, the highest of anyone in the squad to play over 100 passes this season.
"He will undergo surgical treatment in the coming days," a Barcelona statement confirmed.
Barcelona will be hoping to maintain its winning start to the 2024-2025 LaLiga season when it welcomes Real Valladolid to Nou Camp at the weekend.
