Boost for Barcelona as long-term injury absentee set to return for the start of pre-season | OneFootball

According to a recent report from SPORT, it has been learned that Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is on track to return to full fitness within a month, just in time for the start of pre-season training.

It must be noted that Barcelona have high hopes for the talented midfielder, and his comeback is being seen as one of the most anticipated developments heading into the 2025/26 season.

Bernal suffered a serious setback early last season when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, along with additional damage to the external meniscus.

This ruled him out of the entire campaign, robbing him of any chance to show his quality with the first team.

However, the 18-year-old has worked tirelessly on his recovery and now looks set to rejoin his teammates ahead of the new season.

Complete faith in Bernal

Marc Bernal will return to pre-season training soon. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Despite the long-term injury, Barcelona never lost confidence in Bernal. In fact, shortly after his diagnosis, the club offered him a renewal, which is an unmistakable sign of their belief in his long-term value.

This is because Sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick view the midfielder as a significant reinforcement for the midfield, so much so that his return is being treated almost like a new signing for the upcoming season.

The current plan is for Bernal to take part in pre-season training with the rest of the squad, assuming everything continues to go well in his recovery over the next few weeks.

Even during his summer break, Bernal is showing commitment to his comeback.

As per his social media activity, he is working at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, where he is seen doing ball work on the pitch in order to return to action soon.