Flick calls up Barcelona young prodigy to training after Marc Bernal injury

Following their 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano away at Estadio de Vallecas last night, FC Barcelona players convened at the club’s training facilities today for a recovery session.

However, there was a notable absentee from the session in the form of teenage sensation Marc Bernal who suffered a serious injury during last night’s contest.

It has since confirmed that the 17-year-old has ruptured his ACL and has meniscus damage as well, with the season now considered over for him.

Unai Hernandez called up for training

Given that Barcelona are already without Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, Marc Bernal’s latest injury leaves Hansi Flick with very limited options in midfield.

As such, the German tactician has called up youngster Unai Hernandez to first-team training today, reports SPORT.

Unai Hernandez trains with the senior team today. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Unai, 19, is one of the captains of Barça Atletic this season, and is rated very highly within the club. The teenage La Masia gem did pre-season under Flick, although he was unable to get a lot of minutes due to some physical issues.

The teenager is not a pivot midfielder like Bernal, but is a versatile operator who can play as an interior or on the wings.

Barcelona are very happy with Unai’s development, with the teenage prodigy playing an important part in the reserve team’s promotion push last season.

Whether his presence in the first-team setup now increases following Bernal’s injury or if Flick decides to call on someone like Pau Prim, who is a proper defensive midfielder, remains to be seen.