Barcelona received a significant morale boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, with Marc Bernal’s inclusion in the squad list, despite him not yet receiving final medical clearance to play.
The midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the first leg and was expected to be sidelined for approximately 10 days. However, his inclusion in the squad reflects Hansi Flick’s desire to gradually and cautiously reintegrate him into the team.
Related topics
Limited play to avoid risk
Reports indicate that the coaching staff is adopting a carefully considered plan to manage Bernal’s condition. His playing time, if he is brought on, is expected to be limited to 15–20 minutes to prevent any physical setbacks that could affect his immediate future.
Special importance within Flick’s system
Bernal is considered a promising talent within Barcelona’s project and is seen as a player who could play a significant role in midfield in the future, especially given his improved performances and the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities.
The player also has positive memories against the opponent, having previously scored two goals against Atlético Madrid, which gives him an added boost in terms of confidence ahead of this crucial match.
A significant boost with De Jong’s return
Meanwhile, the team has welcomed back Frenkie de Jong, who recently returned after a long absence due to injury. He came on as a substitute against Espanyol and directly contributed to the winning goal.
Flick confirmed in his statements that De Jong could play between 45 and 60 minutes in the European encounter, giving Barcelona additional options in midfield.
Complex calculations before the second leg
With the decisive match approaching at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Flick faces a significant challenge in managing the playing time of players returning from injury, in a match that leaves no room for error or risk.
The final hours will be crucial in determining the readiness of Bernal and De Jong, as Barcelona relies on every detail to secure their place in the semi-finals.
