Barcelona unwilling to take risks with midfield starlet amid delayed recovery

Marc Bernal was one of the key absentees for Barcelona in their heartbreaking Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier this week.

The young midfielder, who was in great form, had picked up an injury during the league game against the same opponent and was ruled out for ten days.

However, as Barcelona return to training after three days of rest, Bernal remains absent in what appears to be a delayed recovery.

Barcelona’s plan with Bernal

According to SPORT, Barcelona are not bothered by Bernal’s slow recovery and have taken an extra cautious stance on the midfielder’s fitness.

The club are aware that it has not been long since Bernal had picked up a long-term injury which had kept him out on the sidelines for well over a year.

Bernal is enduring a slow recovery after an injury vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Keeping that in mind, Barcelona are in no rush to force Bernal back onto the pitch, especially now that the Champions League is no longer a target.

The Catalans have been further helped by the return of Frenkie de Jong from injury. The Dutchman has emerged as a reliable option alongside Pedri in the middle of the park.

With focus firmly on La Liga, where Barça already hold a nine-point advantage, Bernal has all the time in the world to slowly regain his full fitness.

The Blaugrana are slated to face Celta Vigo in their next La Liga game on Wednesday, a game in which Bernal was tipped to return. But given the club’s cautious stance, it remains to be seen whether or not he makes the team sheet.

At the same time, though, it will be important for the young midfielder to get back into fitness for the final few matches of the season and end the campaign on a strong note.