Barcelona midfield star’s operation postponed until next week – report

Barcelona’s win over Rayo Vallecano ended in the worst possible fashion when the team’s young midfielder Marc Bernal went down in excruciating pain.

Tests later in the week confirmed an injury to his cruciate ligament, all but ruling him out for the entire season.

As was the case with Gavi, Bernal must now undergo surgery to enable proper reconstruction and healing of his knee and his surgery was posted for Wednesday.

MARCA, however, bring to light that the teenage star’s operation has now been postponed.

Inflammation yet to subside

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, the inflammation and bleeding in Bernal’s right knee has still not completely subsided. As a result, his surgery can not be carried out this week.

The medical team have recommended he delay going under the blade after a routine follow-up examination of his knee and wish to exercise complete caution in his operation.

Given his age, no risks will be taken around his treatment and the surgical intervention will only be made once all the conditions are amicable to prevent complications.

Who are Flick’s replacements?

Barcelona’s tight finances did not enable the signing of a new defensive midfielder in the recently concluded summer transfer window. Bernal, thus, was the manager’s best bet in the position.

With the teenage sensation now ruled out, Hansi Flick has insisted that Marc Casado and Eric Garcia are the best-placed players to take the injured star’s place in the starting lineup.

The former started the Catalans’ clash against Real Valladolid earlier this week and played 61 minutes before Garcia replaced him on the field.

If the 7-0 result on the night is anything to go by, it is safe to say that the duo could well be great stand-ins for Bernal.