English Premier League
Barcelona confirm Jesse Bisiwu suffered ankle contusion after being carried off
Barcelona have confirmed that Belgian youngster Jesse Bisiwu suffered only a contusion to his left ankle after being taken off on a stretcher during Wednesday’s Catalan Cup final against Sabadell.
The 18-year-old was forced to leave the match in worrying circumstances after sustaining a heavy blow. Initial images appeared to suggest a serious injury, with Bisiwu later seen on the pitch using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his injured foot.
However, Barcelona said further examinations carried out on Thursday had eased fears surrounding the winger’s condition. The club’s medical assessment found no serious injury, although Bisiwu will be unavailable for a period while he recovers.
“Medical statement: Jesse Bisiwu suffered a blow to his left leg during yesterday’s match. The medical tests carried out this morning confirmed that it is merely a contusion. His return to training is expected shortly,” Barcelona said.
The diagnosis has provided relief for Bisiwu and the club after the nature of the incident raised concerns that he could face a lengthy absence. Barcelona added that the player should be able to resume training soon, although no specific date was given for his return.
Bisiwu was injured during the final against Sabadell on Wednesday evening and had to be carried from the field. His use of crutches and the protective boot initially heightened concerns among supporters, but the club’s subsequent tests indicated that the damage was limited to bruising around the ankle.
The Belgian joined Barcelona this summer and made a positive impression during preparations for the current season. He was given the opportunity to train with the first team and stood out in a friendly against Basel, scoring twice.
Those goals attracted the attention of Barcelona’s coaching staff and helped underline the teenager’s potential after his move to the club. His early involvement with the senior squad had been one of the notable features of his pre-season, before the injury interrupted his progress in the Catalan Cup final.
Barcelona’s statement described the injury as affecting Bisiwu’s left leg, while the club’s medical findings identified the problem specifically as a contusion to the left ankle. The expectation that he will return to training in the near future means he has avoided the serious setback initially feared after he was carried off.