Barcelona youth team defender makes major progress in recovery from knee injury

Barcelona youth team defender makes major progress in recovery from knee injury Barcelona have received encouraging news regarding Patricio Pacifico’s recovery, with the 20-year-old defender taking an important step towards returning to action after suffering a serious knee injury earlier this year.  According to Mundo Deportivo , the Uruguayan has been discharged from the medical centre and has resumed working on the training pitches at the Ciutat Esportiva. Pacifico’s progress is actually a significant development for Barça Atletic, particularly given the lengthy recovery period initially anticipated following his injury.  The defender is now entering a new phase of rehabilitation, with the possibility of returning to competitive action around February 2027, depending on how his recovery progresses. Pacifico makes important progress in Barcelona recovery Pacifico suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Barcelona Atlètic’s match against UE Olot on April 19, 2026.  He subsequently underwent successful surgery in May, with Barcelona initially estimating a recovery period of approximately 12 months. Patricio Pacifico has taken an important step in his recovery. (Picture credit: Instagram/@patridominguez8) This is why his latest progress is a significant milestone, as he has started working on the grass at the club’s training complex.  On that note, the outlet mentions that the defender is currently using the sand pitch to strengthen his muscles before progressing to more demanding rehabilitation exercises. Barcelona defender targets return to ball work before January Pacifico’s rehabilitation will continue through several carefully managed stages.  Once he completes his current strengthening programme, the next objective will be to begin jogging before gradually introducing changes of direction and increased running intensity. These steps will determine when he can safely return to ball work, which is expected to happen towards the end of December. If everything progresses as planned, the Uruguayan could subsequently begin reintegrating into group training between January and February.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by FC Barcelona B (@fcbarcelonab) However, returning to full competitive action will depend on his physical condition and the medical staff’s assessment, meaning that the initial estimation of 12 months could be fulfilled. Barcelona maintain faith in Pacifico despite serious injury Barcelona’s decision to extend Pacifico’s loan from Defensor Sporting until the end of the 2026/27 season showed their continued confidence in his potential.  Notably, the agreement retained the purchase option included in the original arrangement. Before suffering his injury, Pacifico had made seven appearances for Barça Atlètic, all as a starter.  The original agreement stipulated that the purchase option would become mandatory after ten appearances, meaning he needs three more matches to trigger it.