FC Barcelona's key men continue to fall as the 2024/25 season takes shape, impeding good early form. With Marc Bernal tearing his ACL in the league tie against Rayo Vallecano, he was sent to the sidelines for nearly a year. Here are updates on the remaining few players:
Ansu Fati
The 21-year-old forward has been sidelined since July 24 due to plantar fasciitis. This is a condition of inflammation in the ligament at the foot's base, and the time to recover from this ailment varies by its severity and an individual's response to treatment. In Fati's case, the club's medical team are playing it safe with his rehabilitation. He has seen steady progress and latest reports indicate that Fati is back in training, beginning to work with the ball. He is expected to return by the end of the week, in the game against Girona, which will be quite a boost for the attacking line of Barcelona who are in desperate need of a traditional left winger.
Gavi
Gavi suffered a knee injury last November while playing for Spain in an international match. Much like what Bernal suffered, the young midfielder ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament and damaged his lateral meniscus that would necessitate surgery in his knee. ACL injuries are quite notorious and tricky with recovery timelines that stretch from six to nine months. But Gavi is well on track in his recovery phase.
He is close to returning, but the club will not hasten anything. His return would be expected during the months of October and November; meanwhile, Barcelona hopes he will return for the second half of the season, already in shape. It is now being reported Gavi will take part in the team's training sessions rather than individual sessions on Thursday.
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong first suffered an injury in April 2024, when he suffered a Grade II sprain of his right ankle in a high-octane match against Real Madrid. It was the third such injury for him in less than one year, and doubts over his long-term fitness began to be raised. The Dutchman decided to go for the conservative approach of treatment instead of surgery. He rested and had physical therapy.
There is still no exact date on his return, but Barcelona hopes to have him in the squad immediately after the international break. His absence has clearly left a huge gap in the midfield, especially in ball distribution and control. Fans are now starting to lose patience for the Dutchman especially after taking a look at his wages, which could help the club financially if he decides to defer his salary one more time.
Fermin Lopez
The 20-year-old midfielder has been another up-and-coming talent for Barcelona, though his progress was recently derailed by a muscle injury. López injured the rectus femoris muscle of his left thigh, the most important muscle for a sprinter and shooter. Barcelona confirmed that López will miss about three weeks of play, with a targeted return toward the end of September. It's nothing too bad, but it causes him to miss some important games, maybe even some games in the Champions League. Fermin, who had an immense role for Spain in the Olympic games, was rather disappointed after not being able to break into Flick's plans especially during this period when rotations are very likely.
Ronald Araujo
The Uruguayan defender was a vital figure for Barcelona until he sustained a hamstring injury in July during the Copa América. Araújo's tear in the hamstring needed surgical intervention, and time to recovery usually is estimated around four months. Araújo has been working through an organized rehabilitation program; to date, reports have suggested that his recovery is going well. He will be back with the squad at the end of November if all goes to plan. This would be some big shot in the arm that Barcelona side requires, especially which has been running low on defense. The Spanish club are paper thin on paper in their defensive line with only 3 centre-backs fit to start.
Andreas Christensen
The Danish central defender is currently suffering from Achilles tendinopathy, one type of overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon of the left leg. Tendinopathy is known to take time to recover since it calls for much-needed balance between rest and progressive exercises. Christensen's injury was identified during training sessions immediately preceding Barcelona's Athletic Club clash, and it would probably see him out for around two months.
His likely return date is mid-October, just in time for crucial fixtures. Barcelona's defense has missed his touch, given that most duties hinged on aerial presence and organizational leadership. Just like Araujo, having Christensen back would be a major boost for the Catalans.
It is a major concern for coach Hansi Flick that Barcelona is having a big injury list just when he is in the process of negotiating a hectic fixture schedule, including domestic league outings and European competitions. The return of Ansu Fati, Gavi, and Araujo will be welcome news, as their presence may turn around a difficult beginning of the season. It should be the hope that Barcelona comes out of this injury crisis and, by proper management of injuries, be competitive on all fronts with the right squad rotation.