Barcelona youngster Juan Hernandez resumes ball work after serious knee injury

Barcelona Atletic midfielder Juan Hernandez has taken another step towards returning from a serious knee injury after beginning to work with the ball again.

The 19-year-old is nearing the final phase of his rehabilitation programme following surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Hernandez suffered the injury during a training session at Barcelona’s training complex on 23 April and the club subsequently confirmed that an operation would be required.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Hernandez initially followed an individual gym-based training plan at the Joan Gamper Sports City before gradually reintroducing ball work. His progress is being viewed positively, although Barcelona do not want to rush him back into competitive action and risk a setback, despite around six and a half months having passed since his surgery.

The injury interrupted what had been an impressive spell for Hernandez with Barcelona Atletic. He scored four goals and provided six assists in 30 appearances, establishing himself as one of the reserve side’s leading attacking players.

His performances also earned him several opportunities to train with the first team under manager Hansi Flick, and he was included in the squad for the Champions League match against Slavia Prague.

Barcelona rewarded his development by extending his contract in February 2026 until 30 June 2028, with an option for a further season, after officially promoting him to the reserve team.

Hernandez joined Barcelona in the summer of 2020 from the youth ranks of Real Zaragoza and progressed through the club’s academy before reaching Barcelona Atletic, who compete in Spain’s fourth tier. He is regarded as one of the leading emerging attacking talents at La Masia.

The Spain youth international can operate as an attacking midfielder, on either wing or as a centre-forward. His game is based on individual skill, carrying the ball forward and creating chances.

His latest progress comes at a significant time for Barcelona Atletic, who are dealing with a number of absences because several players have been called up by their national teams. Injuries to Landry Farre and Guille Victor have added to the team’s problems and prompted the club to request a postponement of their match against Girona B.

Winger Sama Nomoko is also following a similar rehabilitation programme and is expected to return to action next January.

Hernandez’s pathway through the Barcelona system has also brought him close to the first team. His inclusion in the squad to face Slavia Prague reflected the coaching staff’s attention to his development and the possibility of a future opportunity at senior level.