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Fermín López saw his World Cup dreams go up in smoke after Barcelona confirmed the midfielder required surgery for a fractured metatarsal.
The 23-year-old was sent off during the Blaugrana’s 3-1 La Liga win over Real Betis, leaving Spain manager Luis de la Fuente with a major selection headache just days before naming his squad.
Devastating injury news for Barca and Spain
Barcelona’s end-of-season celebrations were marred by the news that Fermin has suffered a serious foot injury that will likely keep him out of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The midfielder, who has become a key figure for club and country, suffered damage during the 3-1 La Liga win over Real Betis on Sunday.
Fermin was substituted at half-time at the Spotify Camp Nou after appearing to suffer significant discomfort. While it was initially hoped that the withdrawal was just a precautionary move, subsequent medical examinations revealed the full extent of the damage, leaving the player and his supporters devastated as the summer approached.
Barcelona press release confirms operation
The Catalan giants moved quickly to clarify the situation, releasing an official statement on Monday. The news was as bad as feared, with the club confirming that the La Masia graduate will have to go under the knife to repair the fracture in his right foot.
“First team player Fermín López suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during the match against Betis. He will undergo surgery,” the club said in a statement.
2026 World Cup hopes in tatters
Although Barcelona have not yet set a definitive timetable for his return, a fifth metatarsal fracture typically 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 doesn’t work in Fermin’s favor.
Spain boss De la Fuente was expected to include the energetic midfielder in his final squad, which is expected to be announced next Monday. However, this blow now requires finding a replacement. Fermin will also be absent for Barcelona’s final La Liga match against Valencia next weekend.
A hard blow for Spanish projects
The loss of Fermin is a significant 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 again.
