Barcelona have confirmed a fresh injury setback within their first-team squad, with young midfielder Fermín López ruled out for the coming weeks. 

The announcement comes at a difficult moment for the La Liga champions, who are still working to regain form after a stuttering start to the season.

Fermín featured earlier in the week as Barcelona suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League. During the encounter, the 22-year-old midfielder picked up a muscle problem that has now been formally diagnosed. 

The club revealed the extent of the damage in an official statement released across their website and social media platforms on Thursday afternoon.

According to the medical update, Fermín has sustained a “small injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg,” with the expected recovery period set at around two weeks. 

While not a long-term absence, the news adds to manager Hansi Flick’s selection headaches ahead of a demanding run of fixtures in both La Liga and Europe.

The setback is particularly untimely given that Barcelona had only just begun to see improvements on the fitness front. 

Several key players recently returned to action, easing pressure on a squad that has endured a heavy injury load throughout the campaign. Goalkeeper Joan García and winger Raphinha both regained fitness during the international break.

Midfield star Pedri is also nearing a much-anticipated comeback, offering hope for greater stability in the centre of the pitch. 

His return, combined with improved depth across other positions, had raised optimism that Barcelona were finally moving past their injury crisis.

However, Fermín’s enforced layoff serves as a reminder that the squad remains vulnerable as they navigate a crucial period of the season. 

With important league and Champions League matches ahead, Barcelona will be hoping the young midfielder recovers swiftly and avoids further complications as the title race intensifies.