After spending almost the entire last season on the sidelines with an ACL injury, the FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal would be keen to return to the pitch and once again showcase his talents this season.
Barcelona have already shown faith in the 18-year-old midfielder by registering him in La Liga with a first-team licence, rather than the reserve team card he held previously. This promotion, however, comes with another change for Bernal: his shirt number.
Last season, the youngster wore No.28, but La Liga regulations only allow first-team players to use numbers between 1 and 25. As of now, Bernal does not have a number assigned on the league’s official website.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the teenager has four options to choose from:
- No.2, left vacant by Pau Cubarsi after he switched to No.5, previously worn by Inigo Martinez.
- No.12 and No.22, both unclaimed last season.
- No.19, freed up after Lamine Yamal moved to the iconic No.10 shirt.
Although Swedish forward Roony Bardghji was unveiled at the Gamper wearing No.19, he has since been registered as a reserve team player, leaving that option open as well.
MD’s report suggests Bernal is leaning towards the No.22, a shirt last worn by Ilkay Gundogan, and before him by Raphinha prior to his switch to No.11.
While his final decision on a shirt number is still pending, Bernal’s immediate focus remains on completing his recovery. Having spent a year sidelined, he is now in the final stages of recovery and could receive the competitive medical clearance after the upcoming international break.
