Fermin Lopez Ruled Out of World Cup With Foot Fracture

Fermin Lopez is set to miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup after FC Barcelona confirmed the midfielder suffered a fractured foot during the club’s victory over Real Betis.

Barcelona announced on Monday that the 23-year-old sustained a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during Sunday’s 3-1 La Liga triumph and will undergo surgery.

The injury represents a major setback for both the player and the Spanish national team, with Lopez widely expected to earn a place in Spain national football team coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Lopez has become an increasingly important figure for Barcelona over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a regular in midfield through his creativity, energy and technical quality.

The midfielder has already earned seven senior caps for Spain and was considered one of the emerging stars expected to feature prominently at the World Cup.

Barcelona said the player would immediately undergo surgery, though no timeframe was given for his return to action.

The injury further compounds Barcelona’s concerns at the end of a demanding campaign and leaves Spain facing another fitness setback ahead of the global tournament.