Barcelona 21-year-old starlet will not be rushed back from injury vs AS Monaco

On Monday, reports emerged claiming that Barcelona could recover injured youngster Fermin Lopez in time for this week’s UEFA Champions League encounter against AS Monaco.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder suffered a thigh injury while away with the Spanish Under-21 national team earlier this month and was said to be sidelined for three weeks.

But with his recovery progressing very well, an early return against Monaco on Thursday was said to be on the cards.

Barcelona will not rush Fermin back

However, now, according to Tot Costa (h/t SPORT), Hansi Flick and Barcelona do not want Fermin to be rushed to a return against AS Monaco on Thursday.

It is true that Dani Olmo’s injury-enforced absence creates a void and Fermin would be very well-placed to fill it, and if needed, he can push himself to be back for the UCL opener.

However, Flick & co. wish for the La Masia graduate to complete the entire three weeks of his recovery and not rush his comeback.

As such, the idea is for him to make his return either this Sunday against Villarreal or next Wednesday, when Barça take on Getafe.

Nevertheless, Fermin’s imminent return is a timely boost for Barcelona as he would make up for Olmo’s absence, who will miss the next six games through injury.

Even if Fermin does not return against Monaco, Barça have options to fill in for Olmo, with Ferran Torres appearing the most likely to step into the lineup. He would occupy the left flank with Raphinha moving in centrally.

Fermin has not featured much since the start of the season under Flick but will be hoping that his imminent return, at a time when Olmo is unavailable, will provide him a chance to make a strong case for greater involvement.