Fermín López has described the emotional impact of missing Spain’s World Cup triumph after returning to partial training with Barcelona. The 23-year-old fractured a bone in his right foot shortly before the tournament, bringing an abrupt end to what had been one of the strongest periods of his career. Spain went on to lift the trophy without him, leaving the midfielder to balance national pride with considerable personal disappointment.

The Barcelona player is now training at the club’s preseason camp at St George’s Park in England. He has taken part in sections of the group sessions but is still being managed carefully as he completes his rehabilitation. His return to competitive football is therefore drawing closer, although Barcelona have not yet confirmed that he is fully available.

An injury at the worst possible moment

According to FC Barcelona’s official injury announcement, Fermín fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the 3-1 victory over Real Betis on May 17. He underwent successful surgery two days later at Hospital de Barcelona, with the club declining to set a fixed recovery date. The injury ruled him out of Spain’s squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The timing made the setback especially difficult to accept. Fermín believed he had been producing some of the best football of his career and had been in contention for an important role under Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. Instead, he was forced to spend the opening weeks of the tournament recovering away from his international teammates.

Read also: FIFA's private company plan draws fierce backlash from PM Burnham, UEFA, and fans

Quoted by Mundo Deportivo in its report on his interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Fermín described it as “definitely the worst summer.” He explained that the support of his family, partner, friends and personal coach had helped him through the most difficult stage of his rehabilitation. The midfielder also admitted that he had needed help to cope with the disappointment.

Spain’s success brought mixed emotions

Watching the World Cup initially proved too painful. “I didn’t watch Spain’s first World Cup matches. I couldn’t,” Fermín said, explaining that he found it difficult to see the team competing while he was unable to move freely after surgery. His frustration was intensified by the belief that he had been injured while playing at his highest level.

As his recovery progressed, however, Fermín was gradually able to follow Spain’s campaign more closely. He eventually travelled to New York to watch the final in person and celebrated the victory as both a supporter and a teammate. He said he was particularly pleased for the Barcelona players in the Spanish squad, despite the personal pain of not being involved.

The experience also changed his perspective on life away from the pitch. Fermín said his spell on the sidelines taught him to value everyday training and the opportunity to be around his teammates. He acknowledged that injured players can feel isolated as the rest of the squad continues to train, compete and prepare for matches.

Read also: Enzo Maresca's immediate challenge: Retaining Rodri amidst Real Madrid's pursuit

A cautious return with the Gamper in sight

According to Barcelona’s update from its preseason camp, Fermín completed part of the squad’s opening session at St George’s Park on July 27. He continued to work with the group during subsequent sessions, although he has not yet been fully reintegrated into every exercise. “I feel better every day. I have no discomfort,” he said.

Fermín hopes to play a few minutes in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian side Al-Ahly on August 19, provided his recovery continues without complications. That match would offer him an opportunity to regain competitive rhythm before Barcelona’s domestic season begins. For now, however, the midfielder and the club’s medical staff are taking a cautious approach.

His longer-term objective is to rediscover the level he showed before the injury and continue developing under Hansi Flick. Fermín believes he has already demonstrated what he can contribute through his energy, attacking runs and ability to score from midfield. After a summer dominated by frustration, his focus has shifted back to earning an important role for Barcelona.

The injury denied him the biggest international tournament of his career, but it has not weakened his ambition. With his return now in sight, Fermín has the chance to turn the most difficult summer of his career into motivation for the season ahead.

Read also: Anti-immigrant chanting surges as English football faces record rise in discrimination

Read also: Blue flag chaos sparks fury at Hungarian Grand Prix as Wolff and Schumacher slam Bortoleto