Ferran Torres (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Ferran Torres has undergone surgery for appendicitis and will miss the Catalan derby against Espanyol. He’s unlikely to return for Barcelona this season but hopes to make Spain’s Nations League squad.
Ferran Torres will miss this weekend’s crucial Catalan derby after undergoing emergency appendicitis surgery, FC Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday night. The winger is now expected to miss the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
The 24-year-old had emerged as a key figure under Hansi Flick in recent weeks, filling in for Robert Lewandowski following the striker’s injury. Torres had delivered strong performances, including three assists in the recent Clasico, and was expected to start against Espanyol.
Medical reports suggest a recovery window of two to four weeks for this type of operation, which would likely keep Torres out for the rest of Barça’s season. His target is now to regain fitness in time for Spain’s Nations League Final Four, with the first match scheduled against France on June 5.
Torres finishes the season with an impressive tally of 19 goals and 7 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. His absence presents Lewandowski with an opportunity to reclaim his place in the starting XI and chase down Kylian Mbappe in the race for the La Liga Golden Boot. The Polish forward trails by three goals but hasn't scored in the league for over six weeks.
Flick may also consider Dani Olmo as a false No. 9 option against Espanyol as Barcelona look to finish the campaign strongly and hold off Real Madrid in the title race.