Fermin Lopez is in danger of missing the World Cup due to a right foot injury. The injury is to the fifth metatarsal. Alarm bells have rung after tests were carried out on the Barcelona player.
What was calm has turned into concern. Then it turned into very bad news.
Six to Eight Weeks Out
Fermin’s presence in the squad is now at high risk. This is due to both the type of injury and the short time remaining. The injury isn’t a muscular one like those of Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams. An injury to the little finger is complex. It can lead to periods of absence of between six and eight weeks. These timescales leave Fermin totally out of the World Cup.
Barcelona’s medical report confirmed the worst. It revealed a fracture and the need for surgery.
Blow to National Team Plans
The absence of Fermin is a serious setback for the national team. It is true that he has not been an important player for the coach in the build-up to the World Cup. His participation in qualifying was little more than a token appearance. But his growth in the final part of the season has made the player one of the most important in the Barcelona team.
Fermin’s energy, versatility and goals have seen him emerge as a player for the first team. He has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists. This is even more important as the coach’s plan is for Lamine Yamal and Nico, like Mikel Merino, not to enter the World Cup until the match against Uruguay.
Moleiro Could Benefit
The presence or absence of Fermin in the list of 26 changes decisions. He was one of the fixed players. With Barrenetxea definitely out of action and Victor Muñoz awaiting tests after the muscular fatigue with which he finished the match against Espanyol, the coach has to look at his list of 55 to recompose plans.
In this context, Alberto Moleiro gains weight to be a World Cup player. The Villarreal player can occupy positions on the outside and inside. His season has already seen 10 goals.
This reshuffle opens up a new scenario that not only opens the door to Moleiro. Pablo Fornals, present in the November and March lists, increases his options. Yeremy Pino is also gaining positions. The player has always been in the coach’s plans when he has not been injured.