INJURY WORRIES FOR BARCELONA AS FERMÍN LÓPEZ AND ÍÑIGO MARTÍNEZ EXIT TRAINING EARLY
Barcelona’s pre-season preparations have taken a significant hit as two first-team players, Fermín López and Íñigo Martínez, were forced to leave the training session prematurely due to injury concerns — and both have now been officially ruled out of the club’s upcoming friendly fixture against Daegu FC.
Fermín López – A Painful Setback
The talented 21-year-old midfielder, who has been one of the standout young performers since breaking into the first team, sustained a knock to his right knee during training. The incident appeared innocuous at first, but the medical staff quickly intervened after Fermín showed visible signs of discomfort.
Though early reports suggest it may not be a major injury, the decision to sideline him from the Daegu clash is a precautionary measure — especially with the La Liga season fast approaching. His creativity and energy in midfield have become vital assets for Xavi, and any prolonged absence would be a major blow to squad depth.
Íñigo Martínez – Ongoing Struggles
Veteran centre-back Íñigo Martínez continues to battle muscle fatigue, a lingering issue that has affected his fitness throughout much of last season. The 33-year-old has yet to fully find his rhythm this pre-season, and his early exit from training confirms that his recovery is still incomplete.
Barça’s medical team is believed to be managing his workload carefully to avoid a relapse, but his absence leaves a gap in central defense, particularly as the team faces a demanding travel and match schedule in Asia.
Both Out vs. Daegu FC
The absence of both players for the upcoming friendly against Daegu FC presents a tactical challenge for Xavi Hernández. It could force a reshuffle in both midfield and defense, as the coach looks to balance player fitness with competitive intensity. The match, part of Barça’s pre-season tour in South Korea, is more than just a warm-up — it’s a key moment to assess squad depth, experiment with formations, and build momentum before competitive fixtures resume
