Barcelona Finalizes Celta Vigo Preparations as Rising Star Marc Bernal Sidelined with Ankle Injury

Barcelona confirms Marc Bernal will sit out Wednesday's clash with Celta Vigo. Read the latest on the 18-year-old's recovery and Hansi Flick's training updates.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 8:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Individual Training for Bernal at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper

Barcelona held its final tactical briefing on Tuesday morning at the Joan Gamper sports city, officially concluding preparations for the mid-week visit of Celta Vigo. The primary takeaway from the session was the continued absence of Marc Bernal from group activities. Under the watchful eye of Hansi Flick, the squad underwent standard pre-match drills, while Bernal was restricted to individual work away from his teammates. Reports from Mundo Deportivo confirm that the teenager’s recovery from a left ankle sprain is progressing "positively," but he has yet to receive the medical green light to participate in high-intensity contact training.

A Cautious Approach to a Breakthrough Season

The injury comes at a particularly frustrating time for Bernal, who has established himself as one of the most reliable young components of Flick’s "strong project." Before the ankle injury, the 18-year-old had contributed five goals and one assist across all competitions, often providing a vital physical presence in the pivot role. Given the player's age and the long-term importance of his development, Barcelona’s medical staff is adopting a strictly cautious approach. The decision to exclude him from the Celta Vigo match is a strategic move to prevent a premature return that could lead to a chronic setback during the final, decisive month of the season.

Midfield Rotations and Flick’s Tactical Adjustments

With Bernal unavailable, Hansi Flick is expected to lean on his more experienced midfield core to maintain the "step by step" momentum toward the La Liga title. The absence of Bernal’s height and ball-retrieval capabilities may prompt a slight adjustment in the team’s pressing triggers, potentially opening the door for more minutes for veterans or other emerging Masia talents. Flick addressed the squad's "great atmosphere" during his pre-match press conference, noting that the team has learned from previous defeats and remains capable of delivering a high-performance output despite the current minor injury list.