Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Fermin Lopez has suffered a fresh injury setback, ruling him out for around two weeks with a soleus problem in his right leg. The 20-year-old has been one of Hansi Flick’s most reliable performers this season, making the timing of the injury particularly frustrating as Barca enter a decisive run of fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The Catalan club released an official statement on Thursday, explaining that Fermin “has a small injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg” and that his recovery is expected to take roughly a fortnight. The blow comes just days after Barca’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, and with key matches against Alaves, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, and Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon, Flick’s squad will once again be stretched in midfield.
The injury also arrives at an awkward juncture for the youngster. Fermin Lopez had recently reached 100 first-team appearances and established himself as a vital part of Flick’s system, combining energy with creativity in midfield. According to Mundo Deportivo, the issue traces back to a heavy challenge from Oihan Sancet in the recent clash against Athletic Club, which left him nursing discomfort despite completing the match. Determined to contribute, he started against Chelsea in midweek but was substituted after an hour — and the lingering effects of that effort appear to have triggered the setback during Thursday’s training session.
It is Fermin’s second injury of the campaign, and his absence is made worse by the fact that Barcelona were finally beginning to see their injury list clear up, with only Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi still sidelined long term.
There was, however, one piece of positive news for Flick to cling to. Pedri has returned to full training and is expected to feature against Alaves this weekend, potentially softening the blow of Fermin’s absence. His comeback could also allow Dani Olmo to operate further forward, offering Flick more tactical flexibility.
If recovery goes as planned, Fermin Lopez could return for the home fixture against Osasuna on December 13, though the club is expected to adopt a cautious approach given the recurring nature of calf and soleus injuries. For now, Flick must once again rely on his depth to keep Barcelona’s season on track.
