At a glance
- Marc Bernal locked down a pivot spot in FC Barcelona’s midfield through a string of impressive performances.
- An ankle sprain halted his progress, resulting in the La Masia product being ruled out for 10 days.
- He’s now targeting a return against Atletico Madrid, in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg.
FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is going through an “express recovery” with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg clash against Atletico Madrid.
The La Masia graduate would’ve been a cert to start the first instalment of the clash in light of top displays. Against Atleti in last Saturday’s 2-1 win, however, he picked an ankle knock that sidelined him for 10 days.
Eric Garcia therefore began in his place. But with Pau Cubarsi receiving a red card, the pivot spot could once more again become free as Eric heads to back line.
As reported elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong trained normally on Friday and is expected to get the nod at the Metropolitano alongside Pedri.
This means that Bernal’s standing in the first XI is already under threat. Yet still he works to be available for his head coach Hansi Flick.
Bernal wants to be an option for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid
The Berga native carried out physiotherapy and specific individual work on Friday ahead of Espanyol. He didn’t train with the rest of the group, however, and won’t be on the squad list for the derby.
Bernal’s intention is to make the trip to the Spanish capital. He doesn’t imagine being a starter, but can at least make it off the bench against a foe he scored two goals against in the Copa del Rey.
Gavi impressed as a pivot when coming after Cubarsi received his controversial red card. But after five months on the sidelines, he’s not considered to be fit enough to start a fixture of that intensity.
As said then, it’s likely to be a Pedri-De Jong midfield duo with Eric partnering Gerard Martin in the defence. If the game gets old and Barca still need goals, however, don’t rule out Flick reverting to a back three.
