Fermín finally back in training, but wearing a protective mask

Fermín López, 22, was arguably the player left most affected by Barcelona’s Champions League elimination against Atlético Madrid last Tuesday. In his case, the damage was both emotional and physical after a heavy collision with Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso, who struck him in the face while coming off his line. The impact caused heavy bleeding from a mouth injury.

Despite the blow, Fermín stayed on the pitch and gave everything he had until Hansi Flick decided to substitute him in the second half.

The positive update for Barcelona is that the academy product returned to the training ground this Sunday as he begins preparing for Wednesday’s match against Celta Vigo. He trained wearing a custom protective mask designed to shield his face, as he is still dealing with the aftereffects of the collision.

It is not the same mask recently worn by Robert Lewandowski, who used one after recovering from a cheekbone injury.

It should not be forgotten that Dr. Planas had to stitch Fermín’s wound in the dressing room at Atlético’s stadium, and the pain suffered by the midfielder was reportedly severe. In fact, two teammates had to hold him steady while he was being stitched up.

It is also worth noting that Fermín had already arrived for the Madrid match carrying a cut on his forehead, suffered after being hit by a teammate’s boot during the activation session before the first leg at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, Marc Bernal has still not returned to grass training this Sunday as he continues recovering from the serious ankle sprain he suffered in the last league match played against Atlético Madrid.