Barcelona dealt blow as player who just returned to training picks up injury, set to be sidelined for multiple weeks - Reports

Barcelona have reportedly been dealt another injury blow after midfielder Fermin Lopez suffered a setback in his recovery from injury in training. The Spanish midfielder has yet to feature for the club since August, having injured himself during the international break.

A Euro 2024 winner with Spain and an Olympic 2024 gold medalist, Lopez had a memorable summer on the international front. He played in three games for Barcelona at the start of the 2024-25 season, coming on as a substitute in each game.

The 21-year-old received an invite to the Spain U-21 side for their U-21 Euros qualifiers but didn't feature due to a thigh injury. He was replaced by Barcelona teammate Pablo Torre in the squad and was expected to return to action this month.

SPORT reports that Lopez has now suffered another injury today (September 17), just as he returned to team training with Hansi Flick's side. The La Masia graduate injured his left thigh with the national team and has now suffered an injury to his right leg, this time.

Barcelona expect Lopez to be ruled out for several weeks, leaving them light in the attacking midfield position following the injury to Dani Olmo. The Spanish midfielder left their last game against Girona with what appeared to be a thigh problem. He is expected to be out for a number of weeks.

With five wins on the bounce in LaLiga, Flick may have to turn to youngster Torre, seeing as his options for the advanced midfield role are severely limited. The manager also has the option of introducing La Masia stars such as Unai Hernandez or Toni Fernandez.

---

Barcelona youngsters invited to first-team training after impressing with reserves - Reports

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has once again turned to the club's academy for solutions after seeing his midfield severely depleted. The German manager has invited cousins Toni and Guille Fernandez to join up with the first team ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener.

SPORT reports that the youngsters have trained with the first team and are in line to travel to France for their game against AS Monaco on September 19. Toni Fernandez, 16, is a striker for the U-19 side. Guille, also 16, is an attacking midfielder, and the pair of them are very highly rated within the club.

This season, Toni Fernandez became the youngest goalscorer in Barca Atletic history, and his cousin Guille became the third-youngest. With Gavi, Frenkie De Jong, Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Bernal all out injured, both Fernandez cousins may make the squad for Monaco.