Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has suffered a huge setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 23-year-old fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during FC Barcelona's 3-1 La Liga win over Real Betis on Sunday, May 17. The injury forced him off at half-time at Spotify Camp Nou and immediately raised fears over his fitness for the tournament.
Injury Confirmed and Surgery Required
Those fears were confirmed on Monday when FC Barcelona announced that the midfielder will undergo surgery. The injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks. That recovery period now appears to have ended his hopes of representing Spain at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was expected to include Lopez in his final squad, but the timing of the injury has created a major problem before the Spain World Cup official announcement next week.
Impact on FC Barcelona and Spain
Fermin Lopez had become an important player for both FC Barcelona and Spain this season. His energy, pressing ability, and attacking movement made him a regular option in midfield. During the match against Betis, the youngster appeared uncomfortable after a challenge and could not continue into the second half. Early reports suggested the substitution was only precautionary, but medical scans later revealed a fracture in his right foot.
Barcelona later released an official update on X confirming the seriousness of the injury. The club explained that Fermin Lopez suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the Betis game and will now undergo surgery to repair the damage. Although Barcelona did not confirm an exact recovery timeline, such injuries usually require six to eight weeks of rehabilitation.
World Cup Hopes Dashed
That timeline makes it almost impossible for Lopez to recover in time for the World Cup. Spain begin their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, leaving little time for the midfielder to regain fitness. The injury also means he will miss Barcelona's final La Liga game of the season against Valencia CF next weekend.
The setback is a painful moment for the young midfielder, who was hoping to play in his first senior World Cup. Spain will now need to find another midfield option before the squad announcement.
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