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Fermín López has seen his World Cup dreams fade after Barcelona confirmed that the midfielder needs surgery for a metatarsal fracture.
The 23-year-old was forced to retire during the Blaugrana’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis, leaving Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente with a major selection headache just days before naming his team.
Devastating news about injuries for Barça and Spain
Barcelona’s end-of-season celebrations have been marred by the news that Fermin has suffered a serious foot injury that is likely to keep him out of the upcoming World Cup in 2026. The midfielder, who has become a key figure for both club and country, suffered the injury during Sunday’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis.
Fermín was substituted at half-time at the Spotify Camp Nou after showing significant discomfort. While there were initially hopes that the withdrawal was purely preventative, subsequent medical examinations revealed the full extent of the damage, leaving the player and fans devastated as the summer approaches.
Barcelona’s statement confirms the surgery
The Catalan giants have moved quickly to clarify the situation and released an official statement on Monday. The news was as bad as feared, as the club confirmed that the La Masia graduate will have to undergo surgery to repair the fracture in his right foot.
“First team player Fermín López suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot in the match against Betis. The player will undergo surgery,” the club reported in a statement.
Hopes for the 2026 World Cup are in tatters
While Barcelona has not yet set a definitive timetable for his return, a fracture of the fifth metatarsal usually requires a recovery period of at least six to eight weeks. With Spain set to kick off their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, the math simply isn’t working in Fermín’s favor.
Spanish coach De la Fuente was expected to include the energetic midfielder in his final squad, which will be announced next Monday. However, this injury blow means that a replacement will now have to be found. Fermin will also be absent for Barcelona’s final match of the La Liga campaign against Valencia next weekend.
A hard blow to Spain’s plans
The loss of Fermin is a major setback for La Roja, who viewed the Barcelona man as a vital tactical asset given his ability to score goals from midfield. His absence adds to a growing list of concerns for the national team as it prepares to compete on the world stage once again.
