Only a bruise. Jesse Bisiwu avoids a serious injury

The images from the Copa Catalunya final looked extremely worrying. Jesse Bisiwu left the pitch on a stretcher before later appearing on crutches and wearing a protective boot. Barcelona had every reason to fear a lengthy absence for one of their most promising summer additions. Further examinations, however, delivered good news: the 18-year-old suffered only a contusion to his left thigh.

The club said the winger is expected to return to training within a short period. No exact date has been provided and Barcelona have not confirmed how many matches he could miss. The most important part of the update is that a serious injury has been ruled out.

THE IMAGES CAUSED IMMEDIATE CONCERN

Bisiwu started for Barça Atlètic in the Copa Catalunya final against CE Sabadell. His appearance lasted only a matter of minutes. After a heavy challenge from Pipa, the young winger went down and immediately required treatment.

The Belgian attempted to recover but was unable to continue. He was eventually carried off on a stretcher while covering his face. Bisiwu returned to the area around the substitutes’ bench during the second half, using crutches and with his leg protected.

Initial examinations ruled out a fracture, although Barcelona waited for further tests before determining the precise nature of the problem. Those tests confirmed that Bisiwu had sustained only a contusion to his left thigh.

Thursday’s medical update therefore managed to calm the situation created by Wednesday’s images. On this occasion, the stretcher, crutches and protective boot will not be followed by months of rehabilitation.

A QUICK RETURN IS EXPECTED

Barcelona have not announced a precise recovery timetable. The club only stated that Bisiwu should return to training shortly, with his condition set to be monitored over the coming days.

The winger is likely to miss the next training sessions and could be unavailable for Barça Atlètic’s opening league fixture. At this stage, however, there is nothing to suggest that he will remain out for an extended period.

That is particularly important because of the timing of the injury. Bisiwu is only beginning his first season in Barcelona and is trying to establish his position among the young players being monitored by Hansi Flick. A long absence would have interrupted the momentum he built during preseason.

BISIWU HAD ALREADY CAUGHT FLICK’S ATTENTION

Bisiwu joined Barcelona from Club Brugge during the summer and signed a contract running until 30 June 2031. Barça Atlètic is expected to provide most of his competitive minutes, but the winger has already been given opportunities to work with the senior squad.

The Belgian trained under Flick during preseason and displayed the pace, confidence in one-on-one situations and direct running that convinced Barcelona to move for him before he had become established at the highest senior level.

The club’s plan is to allow Bisiwu to develop through regular reserve-team football while remaining close to the first-team structure. A brief spell on the sidelines should not change that strategy.

ONE ALARM CAN BE SWITCHED OFF

Barça Atlètic lost the final 2–1 after conceding in the 87th minute, but the result quickly became secondary. The main concern after the match was Bisiwu’s condition.

Barcelona now know that the teenager avoided the worst possible outcome. There is no fracture and no major injury requiring a lengthy rehabilitation process. He will need rest, further monitoring and a gradual return to full training.

Barcelona have triggered enough alarms this summer. At least this one can be switched off quickly.