Fermin Lopez's recovery gains pace at England camp

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has taken a further step in his recovery while the club trains in England, joining his teammates at St George’s Park after sustaining an injury in the final league match of the 2025‑26 season that forced him out of action.

The injury was diagnosed as a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. It occurred in the last league game of the campaign.

The fracture caused Lopez to miss a likely call‑up to Spain’s World Cup squad. He was forced to watch his national teammates lift the trophy from the sidelines.

Since the setback, Lopez has worked intensively to regain full fitness for Barça’s pre‑season start. He is now in England with the rest of the Barcelona squad, continuing his rehabilitation.

During the latest pre‑season session at St George’s Park, he completed a larger portion of the training drill alongside his teammates. Mundo Deportivo reported that his workload has increased as he recovers from the metatarsal fracture.

Barcelona’s medical staff have chosen a gradual reintegration rather than rushing him into full‑intensity work. The club emphasises needing him available for the season, not merely fit for an early friendly.

Head coach Hansi Flick is preparing the squad for Friday’s match against Birmingham City. Whether Lopez will feature remains uncertain, but his greater involvement in the session is an encouraging sign.

Ronald Araujo also trained without any apparent problems, providing a boost for Flick. Left‑back Alejandro Balde has been training separately under an individual programme, completing running exercises but not yet rejoining full team drills. Winger Raphinha arrived at the camp but missed the morning session as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained during the World Cup.

Lopez’s energy, late runs into the box and goal‑scoring ability make him a valuable asset in Flick’s system. His return would give the coach an additional option between midfield and attack, strengthening an already competitive group.

It remains to be seen whether he will receive any minutes against Birmingham City on Friday. The outcome will indicate how close he is to full match fitness.