Barcelona woes continue as forward suffers muscle injury on international duty

Barcelona have had rotten luck with injury in recent weeks, and their problems do not appear to be subsiding anytime soon. The likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia have been affected, and the latest to be struck down is Ferran Torres.

Ferran, who has made a promising start to the season as Barcelona’s first-choice striker, played the full 90 minutes in the victory over Georgia on Saturday, but according to an official medical report from the Spanish Football Federation, he reported muscle fatigue in the aftermath of that match. As a result, he has withdrawn from the squad with immediate effect.

“Ferran Torres will not play against Bulgaria in the fourth qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup in Valladolid. The FC Barcelona striker, after completing the match against Georgia in Elche, reported muscle discomfort that was evaluated by the RFEF’s medical services including complementary tests, diagnosing a muscle overload without associated anatomical injury.

“Given the proximity of the match against Bulgaria, maintaining the policy of not taking risks and prioritising the health of the player, he is dismissed. FC Barcelona’s medical services are informed of all the details.”

Image via Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images

Barcelona need Ferran for gruelling upcoming schedule

The last thing Barcelona needs is another injury, especially in attack where they have already had issues with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Ferran is expected to undergo medical tests in the next 24 hours, at which point a clearer indication can be given on his recovery timeframe.

Barcelona are back in action next Sunday as they host Girona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, and it will be interesting to see whether he is fit for that one. The following weekend, it is the small matter of El Clasico, for which they will certainly be needing his services.