Marc Bernal is now in the final phase of his recovery. September 9 will mark one year since his surgery, the timeframe estimated by the doctors, and he will be available after the FIFA international break. Hansi Flick hopes to give him a new opportunity with the first team.
The Berga native received medical clearance this past August 10, prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy. The Barça medical staff has described his rehabilitation process as positive and satisfactory. However, Flick considered that he should wait for the stipulated rest period after suffering a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and an associated injury to the external meniscus on matchday 3 of LaLiga 24/25 against Rayo Vallecano.
Flick to Bernal: "I want you for 15 years, not for one friendly"
Hansi Flick is well aware of the talent that Bernal possesses, and even offered him some very sensible words: "I want you for 15 years, not for one friendly."
The number '28' for the culés is one of the players from La Masia that the German coach has given a debut to; the midfielder played 244 minutes in his first three games as a first-team player. The Berga native is anxious to return to the playing field, but is aware that he must do so progressively.
Once his recovery is complete, he will have to earn a spot amidst the great competition in the midfield with Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casadó, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Fermín López.
Barça plans to renew Marc Bernal's contract
Marc Bernal is considered one of the most promising players in the Barça squad. For that reason, Deco held a meeting with the representatives of the Berga native to reaffirm the club's confidence in him.
Both parties finalized the details of his renewal. Initially, the azulgrana's link with Bernal will extend until 2029 and the release clause will be 1 billion euros. It is expected to be made official in the coming days.
If there are no setbacks, the return of the number '28' should occur on matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports against Valencia on the weekend of September 13 and 14.