Fermin Lopez Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline and Impact on Team

The joys of Barcelona's dominating 3-0 win over Getafe was overshadowed by the tears of Fermin Lopez, who left the Estadi Johan Cruyff in tears after a muscle injury that forced him out of the match. Immediately after the game, former German national team coach Hansi Flick said, We’ll have to see what Fermín does tomorrow. We’ll have to wait. It’s very important to have all the players in that condition because we have a lot of matches.” A few hours later, after a proper medical examination, it was confirmed officially by FC Barcelona that Fermin will be out for three weeks after picking up a muscle injury in the left iliopsoas.

Fermin Lopez Injury Details

The iliopsoas is a major hip flexor muscle group. This muscle group is very crucial for lifting the knees, proper running, sprinting, acceleration, and changing directions while maintaining stability in the pelvic region. Injuries in this area usually result from sudden extension or stretch of the hip or forceful movement. Even a minor injury in this region can hugely and adversely affect a player's agility, speed, and might experience intense cramps while even kicking a ball.

The time frame of the injury suggests that it is a moderate strain, not a tear, as tears take weeks to recover, if not months. His recovery will likely include rest, physiotherapy, gradual strength work, and careful load management.

How Does Fermin Lopez's Injury Affect PSG

Barcelona have a tight and congested schedule ahead of them. As things stand, Fermin Lopez will miss three La Liga games against Real Oviedo, Real Sociedad and Sevilla. The good thing is that two out of these three teams are battling against relegation currently and are in horrible form. Sevilla, however, could be a big game, given that they are out of the top six zone, and a win for them against Barca becomes crucial.

Apart from domestic games, Hansi Flick will miss Fermin in the crucial UCL fixture. Barca kick-started their European campaign with a win over Newcastle United. Now, they will ply their trade against the reigning European champions PSG, next. It will be a homecoming for former Barca gaffer Luis Enrique. PSG also began their campaign with a 4-0 win over Atalanta and this will be a big game for both teams.

We might not have a direct replacement for Lopez, but maybe Flick will tweak some formations to allow Dani Olmo and other midfielders to get more minutes on the pitch.

When Will Fermin Lopez Return?

As the timeline suggests, Fermin could be back on the pitch by mid-October. He might need some more time to become fully match fit. Maybe he can be on the bench against Girona and can be back in the starting 11 against the most anticipated clash against Real Madrid in El Clásico at the end of October.