Barcelona’s Rising Star Juan Hernández Suffers Season-Ending ACL Injury
Barcelona’s injury crisis deepened on Wednesday as 18-year-old midfielder Juan Hernández was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a training session with Barça Atlètic, the club’s reserve team.
The diagnosis was confirmed by club medical tests and reported by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, who stated: “Barcelona talent Juan Hernández has suffered ACL injury, club tests confirm.” Romano’s report was published approximately four hours before the Softfootball article went live on April 23, 2026.
Hernández, who had recently signed a new contract extension running through June 2028, had been training regularly with Hansi Flick’s first team squad prior to the injury. The young attacking midfielder had emerged as one of La Masia’s most promising prospects, earning his first-team call-ups under the German coach.
According to Softfootball’s medical analysis, Hernández will require approximately nine to twelve months of recovery time following surgical intervention, placing his potential return window around mid-2027. This timeline means the teenager will miss not only the conclusion of the current season but also the entire 2026-27 campaign.
The ACL injury adds to Barcelona’s growing list of unavailable players. Earlier in the season, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo. While Yamal’s absence is significant as the club pushes for the La Liga title, there remains hope he could recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the mounting injury concerns, Barcelona did experience a positive moment earlier in the week when veteran midfielder Frenkie de Jong made history during a special night at Spotify Camp Nou. The Dutch international became the Netherlands’ all-time appearance leader for the club, surpassing club legend Phillip Cocu by reaching 293 official matches for the Blaugrana.
The timing of Hernández’s injury presents a particular challenge for Barcelona’s sporting department. Having just secured his long-term commitment with the new contract through 2028, the club now faces the prospect of integrating their significant investment in the youngster while he undergoes an extensive rehabilitation process.
For Hernández personally, the injury represents a major setback in what had been a rapidly ascending career trajectory. At just 18 years ancient, he had already begun to feature regularly in first-team training and was considered a key component of Barcelona’s future plans under Flick’s tactical system.
The club has not yet announced an official date for Hernández’s surgical procedure, though such operations typically occur within days of diagnosis for elite athletes seeking optimal recovery outcomes. Barcelona’s medical team will now oversee what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process focused on restoring full knee stability and strength.
As Barcelona navigates this latest injury blow, attention will turn to how the squad adapts to the absence of another promising academy product. The club’s depth in midfield will be tested as they pursue their seasonal objectives without the services of both Hernández and Yamal for the foreseeable future.
The next official update regarding Hernández’s condition is expected to come following his surgical procedure, with Barcelona likely to provide a detailed timeline for his rehabilitation journey at that point.
What are your thoughts on Barcelona’s injury situation and how it might affect their season? Share your perspective in the comments below.
