Injured Barcelona wonderkid to return early from vacation to start training | OneFootball

According to a report from AS journalist Javier Miguel, Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is on track to return to training much earlier than expected after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The young talent, who has been out since the beginning of the 2024/25 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, is set to cut his vacation short and rejoin the squad at Ciutat Esportiva on July 1.

Initially, the club had predicted a 12-month absence for Bernal following his surgery.

However, thanks to his remarkable dedication and discipline during recovery, the timeline has now been reduced by nearly a month, with Bernal expected to receive medical clearance by early August.

Commitment behind the comeback

One of the key reasons behind Bernal’s rapid recovery has been his professional attitude and unwavering commitment to the rehabilitation process.

The club has been impressed by how seriously he has taken every step, following his recovery program with precision. He even postponed his vacation by two weeks and stuck to a strict individual training regime while away.

Marc Bernal has shown tremendous progress. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Now, by cutting his holidays short and returning to the club nearly two weeks before the rest of the squad (who are expected back on July 13), Bernal has underlined his desire to be ready for the new season.

Barring any last-minute setbacks, he is expected to join Barcelona’s pre-season Asian tour, where he will gradually integrate back into full training.

Could be back in time

While Bernal’s style of play does not rely heavily on high-intensity physical movements, the club is still exercising caution. It is expected that he will be phased in slowly, with an eye on reaching full match sharpness by December.

However, if his progress continues without interruption, Hansi Flick may have Bernal available for selection as early as the La Liga opener.

This recovery milestone is seen as a major boost not only for the player but for Flick’s plans for the midfield. Bernal, still only 18, is viewed as one of the brightest prospects in La Masia, and his early return could offer valuable depth for the 2025/26 campaign.