Barcelona suffer blow as Bernal ruled out 10 days after Atletico win

Barcelona secured a vital 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, April 5, but the win came at a cost. The Catalan club have since confirmed injury updates on two key players who were substituted during the match, with one facing a significant absence at a critical point in the season.

Bernal to miss Champions League first leg

Defensive midfielder Marc Bernal is set to be sidelined for 10 days following the injury he sustained against Atletico, according to Spanish radio outlet La SER. The timeline rules him out of the first leg of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal — a tie that also happens to be against Atletico Madrid — making the news a double blow for coach Hansi Flick. Bernal had entered the game as a substitute for centre-back Ronald Araujo in the first half, only to be forced off after the hour mark with an injury of his own.

Araujo given the all-clear

In contrast, Araujo’s early exit has not raised serious concerns. The Uruguayan centre-back, who had recently returned from international duty with two national team matches under his belt, has been cleared fit. Flick addressed the situation post-match, noting that Araujo’s substitution was precautionary. “He came from the national team, from two games; I hope it is nothing serious,” the German coach said.

Flick was otherwise upbeat after the win, cal calling it a crucial three points in the title race. Barcelona still lead La Liga, but the coach remained measured. “We have eight games to play and for me, nothing is done; we have to stay focused,” he said. With a Champions League quarterfinal also on the horizon, the coming weeks will define Barcelona’s season on two fronts.