Barcelona’s preparations for next season have been handed an early setback, with one of the club’s most promising young midfielders now facing a significant spell on the sidelines.
The Catalan side are already planning for another demanding campaign after securing domestic silverware under Hansi Flick, but injuries have started to impact key players at the worst possible time.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, several Barcelona players are also balancing club recovery with hopes of representing their countries this summer.
One member of the squad, however, has now seen those ambitions cut short.
Fermin Lopez has undergone surgery after suffering a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, with Barcelona officially confirming the operation, via X.
The midfielder sustained the injury during Barcelona’s recent La Liga clash against Real Betis, in what was initially thought to be a less serious setback.
Further assessments revealed the damage was more significant, forcing surgery and ruling him out for an estimated three months.
Barcelona confirmed the procedure was completed at Hospital de Barcelona under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
The club remain hopeful that the 23-year-old will be fit in time for the start of next season, but the immediate consequences are considerable.
The biggest blow is on the international stage.
Fermin Lopez had placed himself in a strong position to be included in Spain’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after becoming a regular under Luis de la Fuente.
His place in Spain’s preliminary 55-man list strongly suggested he was close to securing a ticket for the tournament.
That opportunity has now disappeared, with the injury ruling him out of contention completely.
It marks a frustrating end to what had been another important season in his development at Barcelona, where he has continued to establish himself as a trusted option in midfield.
The timing is especially cruel, given the World Cup would have offered him his first opportunity to feature at football’s biggest international competition.
For Barcelona, the focus now turns to ensuring his recovery goes smoothly, while Spain will be forced to adjust plans without one of their emerging midfield options.
MEDICAL UPDATE ‼️
First team player Fermín López underwent a successful operation of the fifth metatarsal fracture on his right foot.
Doctor Antoni Dalmau Coll performed the operation at Hospital de Barcelona, which was supervised by the Club’s Medical Services.
His evolution… pic.twitter.com/Ar8ZMc7kOG
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 19, 2026
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