Injured Barcelona star set to travel with team to Saudi Arabia – report | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Mar Bernal, who has been sidelined due to a serious injury, will be part of the team’s travelling squad for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

This comes from SPORT, a report which highlights that despite being injured since late August, Bernal will join the Barcelona contingent for the event, marking a significant moment in his recovery journey.

Alongside Bernal, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor are expected to travel with the team, although both players’ federative situations are still pending.

Barcelona are optimistic about resolving these issues through the CSD, which would enable Olmo and Víctor to participate in the match against Athletic Club on Wednesday.

Recovery on track

Bernal, who underwent surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and an associated meniscus injury, is not expected to return to the pitch until around August or September 2025.

Marc Bernal will be with the squad. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

However, despite the long recovery timeline, Bernal’s progress has been remarkable. At this stage, four months after the operation, he is recovering faster than initially expected.

Recent medical check-ups have confirmed that Bernal is progressing well, with his knee being stronger and more flexible compared to other players in similar recovery stages, such as Gavi.

Why is he travelling?

The coaching staff believes that bringing Bernal along on the trip will help him break free from the routine of individual recovery, which can be mentally challenging.

By travelling with the team, Bernal will have the opportunity to interact with his teammates and participate in some activities.

He will also continue his rehabilitation work at Barcelona’s facilities in Saudi Arabia, where he will join the rest of the squad for certain gym sessions.

In addition to Bernal, other injured players such as Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, and Hector Fort will also be part of the travelling squad.

However, goalkeeper Ter Stegen will not make the trip to the Middle East due to his injury.