Marc Bernal
BAR
Adds assist
Bernal assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Monday's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Bernal tacked on an assist on two chances created during Monday's win. The midfielder isn't a major threat going forward in most chances, but he can make the most of favorable clashes like he did here. Bernal isn't a major threat for the most part going forward especially against top opponents.
Features in Birmingham friendly
Bernal (strain) played 62 minutes during Friday's offseason game versus Birmingham.
Analysis: Bernal was dealing with a minor muscular issue but recovered in time to avoid missing preseason activity. The young midfielder was in and out of the starting lineup throughout the previous campaign, emerging as a useful holding midfield asset and delivering slight offensive sparks at specific points of the season. He's expected to see minutes in Barca's rotation this year but will likely settle for a substitute role when all of Pedri, Gavi and Eric Garcia are available.
Suffers muscle fatigue
Bernal was held to individual training and missed a friendly due to a muscle injury, according to Javier Miguel of AS.
Analysis: Bernal is yet another midfielder for Barcelona dealing with an injury this pre-season, as the midfielder is now not training fully due to his muscle fatigue. This is only being considered a small setback at the moment, with his club not too worried about the injury. A return will likely come soon in a friendly, not likely to miss much time.
Fit to play against Osasuna
Bernal (ankle) will travel with Barcelona's squad for Saturday's clash against Osasuna and could feature, according to coach Hansi Flick. "Bernal will be with us tomorrow and could play."
Analysis: Bernal had returned to team training Wednesday after his ankle sprain took longer than the initial 10-day estimate to resolve, and coach Flick's upbeat assessment is the clearest sign yet that the midfielder is ready to contribute again. Gavi has been holding down a greater role in his absence, but getting Bernal back in the mix gives the Blaugranas more midfield options as Barcelona push toward what could be a title-clinching fixture at El Sadar on Saturday.
Targeting Osasuna return
Bernal (ankle) is expected to rejoin team training at the start of the week and is targeting a return to the squad for Saturday's clash against Osasuna, according to Javier Miguel of Diario AS.
Analysis: Bernal's recovery from the grade one ankle sprain has taken longer than the initial 10-day estimate, effectively doubling the projected timeline, though the club has been clear there has been no setback or recurrence involved. The midfielder had been absent for the Getafe fixture after missing Friday's training session, and Gavi has been holding down the starting role in his absence. Getting Bernal back in the fold for the Osasuna fixture would give manager Hansi Flick more midfield options as Barcelona close in on the La Liga title.
Won't play vs. Getafe
Bernal (ankle) didn't train Friday and won't be available for Saturday's game at Getafe, according to Angel Perez of Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: The midfielder wasn't involved in Friday's training session, so he won't be fit enough to play Saturday. However, Bernal is expected to return to training Monday with an eye toward returning to the squad against Osasuna on Saturday, May 2. Frenkie de Jong should continue as the regular starter in central midfield, so the loss of Bernal shouldn't have much of an impact in fantasy.
Ruled out for Celta Vigo clash
Bernal (ankle) has been ruled out of Wednesday's clash against Celta Vigo, according to Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero Radio.
Analysis: Bernal had been included in the travelling squad for the Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico but was still awaiting full medical clearance at that point, and his continued absence from team training suggests the ankle sprain has not yet fully resolved. No specific return timeline has been given and Barcelona will continue to monitor his progress, with Frenkie de Jong's return from injury easing the immediate pressure on the midfield in Bernal's absence.
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