Barcelona prodigy pencilled in for return in Gamper Trophy match after long absence

Barcelona wonderkid Marc Bernal has been out injured for almost a year now, having suffered a brutal ACL injury in August 2024 in a game against Rayo Vallecano – only his third official first-team appearance.

The 18-year-old La Masia gem has been working his way back to full fitness, training with the group on the current pre-season tour of Asia. However, the Blaugrana are taking a cautious approach with his reintegration.

Bernal’s return possible vs Como in Gamper Trophy

According to Mundo Deportivo, while Bernal is getting closer to the physical level he showed in August 2024, when he debuted with the Barcelona first team, Hansi Flick and his staff want to manage his return very carefully.

Sources at the club say the most optimistic scenario would see him play a few minutes in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como on August 10, but only if it makes sense from a recovery standpoint.

As such, Bernal is not expected to play in either of Barça’s matches during the South Korea tour in the coming days.

Flick has laid out a clear plan for the youngster: no rush. At 18, he has time on his side. The coaching staff will monitor his progress session by session, knowing that any missed training could delay his comeback.

In an ideal scenario, Barcelona would prefer to hold him out of competitive action until after the first international break in September. That would mark one year since his injury against Rayo Vallecano.

However, the Blaugrana are determined to strike the right balance: no unnecessary risks, but also no delays if his recovery stays on track.