A detailed look at Barcelona’s injured players and their expected return dates

Barcelona’s injury situation has shown improvement in recent weeks, with several key players returning to the squad, though a few injuries continue to impact Hansi Flick’s options. 

At the start of the season, injuries were a significant challenge, limiting the team’s depth and forcing Flick to make adjustments with limited choices. 

Players like Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and Ansu Fati have recovered and are now back in action, providing a boost to the squad. 

However, some players are still on the path to full recovery, and here is a look at their current status and expected returns.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen  

Marc-Andre ter Stegen might not feature for Barcelona this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The club’s main goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has been sidelined since September due to a complete rupture of his right knee’s patellar tendon. 

Current medical forecasts suggest he may not return until the next season. Still, the club remains cautiously hopeful that a possible return might be feasible before the season concludes.

Ronald Araujo

Ronald Araujo sustained a hamstring tendon injury in his right thigh on July 15, 2024, while on international duty with Uruguay. 

His recovery is progressing, and the target is for him to rejoin team training after the November international break. If everything goes well, Araujo could receive medical clearance to play before the year’s end.

Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen’s return is still unknown. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Since August 24, 2024, Andreas Christensen has been dealing with tendinopathy in his left Achilles. The club has not set a strict timeline for his return and plans to clear him for play only once he has fully recovered.

For now, he is recovering well and has started individual training, but there is still no confirmation about his return.

Ferran Torres 

Injured on October 6, 2024, just minutes into a match against Alaves, Ferran Torres suffered a muscle injury in his right leg. 

The forward is expected to receive medical clearance towards the end of November or early December, potentially rejoining the team then.

Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia could return against Espanyol. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Eric Garcia has been managing discomfort in his right adductor since October 20, 2024. He had to step back from the warm-up before facing Bayern Munich and missed the El Clasico against Real Madrid. 

However, he is anticipated to be fit for the upcoming derby against Espanyol this Sunday.

Marc Bernal

Lastly, Marc Bernal has been out since August following an injury involving an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and external meniscus damage in his left knee. 

In line with the club’s careful approach used with players like Gavi, they are not rushing his recovery, and he is not expected to return until the next season.

While Barcelona’s injury list is reducing, these players’ timely recoveries are crucial for Flick’s rotation and tactics as the season progresses.