"The injury has helped me a lot"

Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal has stated this Friday that he will aim to "return in the best possible shape" from the serious knee injury that has kept him off the pitch since August 2024, and explained that he is confident he can "help" the team managed by Hansi Flick.

"I have high hopes and expectations for the coming year regarding the titles we can achieve. I will try to return in the best possible shape and with confidence to help as much as possible," the player stated at a press conference convened to present the first edition of his summer camp at the municipal stadium in Berga (Barcelona), his hometown.

Bernal, 18, admitted that there is "a lot of competition" in the centre of the Barcelona midfield, and praised the work of Dutchman Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casadó in the middle of the park. "I am very happy with what they have created, but for me, the first and most important thing is to recover well," he added.

The Catalan midfielder is finalising the recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, with an associated injury to the external meniscus, which he suffered at the end of August and which has kept him off the pitch for the entire season.

However, Bernal has avoided setting a date for his return: "The day I feel good, and when the physiotherapists and the coaching staff agree, we can take the step." Furthermore, the Barcelona youth player acknowledged that "it has been a very difficult process, especially at the beginning", but that it has helped him learn to "better manage the difficult moments when you don't see a way out."

Bernal commented that "the support of the people who are there day to day" has helped to make the recovery process "easier", and revealed that Flick has "given him peace of mind from the first moment."

"He told me to stay calm during this process, because I am young and have a long career ahead of me," he added. Finally, the Barcelona player avoided taking a stance on the news of the day, Nico Williams' renewal with Athletic Club until 2035: "He is a great player, but it's not my concern. I only look out for my teammates at the club."