Spain midfielder Fermín López is at risk of missing this summer’s World Cup due to a fractured metatarsal in his right foot, sustained during Barcelona‘s recent victory over Real Betis on Sunday.
The 23-year-old was substituted at half-time and underwent examinations at Barça’s training facility on Monday, which confirmed the necessity for surgery.
While Barça has not disclosed a timeline for Fermín’s recovery, sources indicate to ESPN that with Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 fast approaching, his chances of returning in time are slim.
“Fermín suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in the game against Betis,” stated Barça on Monday. “He will undergo surgery.”
After making his full Spain debut in 2024, Fermín played a crucial role in the squad that secured victory at the European Championships that summer.
He also represented Spain at the Olympics in France that year, netting six goals as La Roja clinched the gold medal, including two in the final against France.
Fermín has emerged as a key player for Barça this season, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists as the team topped LaLiga and captured the Spanish Supercopa.
His injury adds to Spain’s growing list of concerns ahead of the World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Barça teammate Lamine Yamal and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams are also nursing hamstring injuries, although coach Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic that they may contribute during the group stage.
Midfielders Rodri and Mikel Merino are also expected to be included in the final squad despite having dealt with injuries throughout the season.
Following their match against Cape Verde in Atlanta, Spain will conclude Group H with games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.