While the festive atmosphere prevails, Barcelona’s medical department and sporting management are still working at full capacity. Today (Dec 26), the spotlight is on the injury status of Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí and urgent moves in the transfer market to solve the defensive puzzle.
Aitana Bonmatí: “This is the first major challenge of my career”
The brightest star of the Barcelona women’s team and world football, Aitana Bonmatí, is entering a crucial phase of her recovery following surgery for a fractured left fibula in early December.
In a recent update shared by the media during Christmas, Aitana admitted this is the most difficult period she has ever faced. “Before, I only had minor injuries, resting for about a month or six weeks. But having to be out for five months and go onto the operating table is a completely new and challenging experience,” the number 14 midfielder confided.
However, Bonmatí’s spirit remains very optimistic. She views this as an opportunity to “reinvent herself both physically and mentally.” According to the treatment regimen, Aitana is expected to miss the majority of the remainder of the season, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals next March. Her absence leaves a massive void in Barça Femení’s midfield, forcing the coach to find rotation options between now and the end of the season.
Defensive crisis: Marcos Senesi on the radar
On the men’s team, a partial ACL injury to Andreas Christensen during a recent training session has pushed Barcelona into a red alert. With the Danish center-back sidelined for 3 to 4 months, Manager Hansi Flick is left with very few reliable options in the center of defense.
To find an “emergency fix,” reputable reports from Spain confirm that Barcelona is seriously pursuing Marcos Senesi, the Argentine center-back currently playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Senesi (28 years old) will see his contract with Bournemouth expire in June 2026. This makes him a potential “bargain” on the market. Barcelona is considering two options:
Immediate loan in January: Including a buyout clause or covering his full salary to utilize him immediately.
Negotiate a low fee: Leveraging the expiring contract to pressure Bournemouth on the price, preventing them from losing the player for nothing next year.
However, Barça is not alone in this race. Both Atlético Madrid and Juventus have expressed interest in the former Feyenoord player, who is valued at approximately 20-22 million Euros but could leave for a significantly lower price.