Heartbreak for Marc Bernal as Barcelona fear 'fantastic' 17-year-old will miss majority of season after suffering ACL injury in La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano

The 17-year-old has been impressive for Barcelona since stepping into the senior squad in pre-season and started in all three matches for the club at the start of the 2024-25 campaign. However, on Tuesday, Bernal left the pitch in pain in the dying minutes of their league clash against Rayo Vallecano. Now, Barca have confirmed he ruptured his ACL in his left knee and damaged his lateral meniscus.

The Catalan giants came back from behind to register their third consecutive win in La Liga courtesy of goals from Pedri and debutant Dani Olmo. However, despite collecting all three points, manager Hansi Flick seemed anxious as he feared for Bernal's long-term fitness. Moreover, this injury confirmation could rule him out for much of the season.

Speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference, the German said: "It's a sad victory because Marc Bernal is injured and it looks not so good. We have to wait and see how heavy it is. We win, it's OK, but when you see the dressing room nobody is happy. It's not good. He made a fantastic match - 17 years old, such a performance. It hurts."

Barcelona added that the teenager will 'undergo a surgical procedure' in the coming days. In his absence, the Blaugrana will be next be seen in action on Saturday in La Liga as they take on Real Valladolid.