Injured Barcelona midfield star resumes training at Ciutat Esportiva ahead of pre-season

Injured Barcelona midfield star resumes training at Ciutat Esportiva ahead of pre-season Activity has already resumed at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper , even though the first-team squad is still enjoying the final days of its summer break. With just a week remaining before players report for their routine medical examinations and the official start of preseason, several members of Hansi Flick’s squad have begun returning to the club’s training facilities to prepare for the new campaign. One of the biggest stories of these early sessions is the return of Fermin Lopez. Back at the training ground Indeed, according to SPORT , the Barcelona midfielder returned to the Ciutat Esportiva on Tuesday to continue his rehabilitation following the fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, an injury he suffered during the La Liga match against Real Betis. The injury required surgery and sidelined the Spanish midfielder for several weeks, ultimately ruling him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Back working at the club facilities. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The La Masia graduate completed an important session in the gym at the club facilities as part of his recovery programme. Positive progress Fermin’s recovery is progressing steadily, and those around the club are encouraged by his development. Throughout the summer, the Andalusian midfielder has carefully followed the medical staff’s rehabilitation plan, balancing the necessary rest with individual training designed to prepare him for the new season. He has now resumed working at Barcelona’s training complex as he continues the next phase of his recovery. Despite the positive progress, he is not yet expected to train at the same intensity as the rest of the squad when pre-season officially begins. A difficult setback The injury was a major disappointment for Fermin. After enjoying an excellent season and establishing himself as an important player under Hansi Flick, he had appeared almost certain to be included in Spain’s World Cup squad. Fermin’s injury ruled him out of the World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The foot fracture completely changed those plans. Shortly after the injury, the player described the setback in an emotional message on social media , admitting it had been one of the toughest moments of his career. Having overcome the most challenging phase of his recovery, both physically and emotionally, Fermin is now entering a much more optimistic stage. His objective is to continue meeting each rehabilitation milestone, regain full fitness, and return to competitive action as soon as possible . Barcelona remain optimistic about his progress, but the club’s priority is clear: ensure he returns fully fit without taking unnecessary risks ahead of what promises to be another demanding season.