Fakayejo Paul
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FC Barcelona has been dealt another injury blow, confirming that in-form midfielder Fermín López has suffered a minor muscle problem in his right leg.
The injury, sustained during the recent Champions League defeat to Chelsea, will sideline the 22-year-old for an estimated two weeks.
The problem affects the soleus muscle in his right calf, an area that requires cautious management to prevent the injury from becoming chronic.
The diagnosis comes at a particularly poor time, as Fermín had been one of the team’s most energetic and reliable performers in recent weeks, stepping up significantly while other key midfielders were recovering from their own fitness issues.
The two-week lay-off means Fermín is set to miss at least two critical La Liga games: this weekend’s match against Alavés and the highly anticipated clash against Atlético de Madrid next Tuesday at the Camp Nou.
He is also likely to miss the team’s final Champions League group stage match, a fixture that could determine their seeding in the knockout rounds.
His absence forces manager Hansi Flick to readjust his midfield rotation, particularly in these demanding high-intensity matches.
However, there is a silver lining for the Catalan club.
The timing of Fermín’s injury coincides favorably with the expected return of star midfielder Pedri, whose recovery from a separate issue is progressing well.
Pedri is now highly anticipated to make his comeback this weekend against Alavés, effectively mitigating the creative impact of Fermín’s temporary absence.
The medical staff will now focus intensely on Fermín’s rehabilitation to ensure he is fully fit to rejoin the squad before the busy festive period begins.