Bisiwu stretchered off as initial assessment rules out a fracture

Barcelona closed the transfer window, confirmed their squad numbers and could briefly believe that every piece of the new squad was finally in place. Briefly. Summer signing Jesse Bisiwu was carried off on a stretcher less than ten minutes into the Copa Catalunya final.

An initial assessment of his right ankle reportedly shows no fracture. That is the most important positive update of the night, but it is not a final diagnosis. Bisiwu will undergo further tests on Thursday to establish the exact nature of the injury and how long he could be unavailable.

THE PLAN LASTED LESS THAN TEN MINUTES

Bisiwu started for Barça Atlètic against CE Sabadell at the Nova Creu Alta. With the senior squad given the day off, the final represented an opportunity for the 18-year-old to gain match fitness and competitive minutes.

That plan ended almost immediately.

The Belgian winger produced a nutmeg during an individual move before Sabadell defender Gonzalo Ávila, known as “Pipa”, stepped on his right ankle. Bisiwu went down straight away and was unable to continue or leave the pitch without assistance.

Medical staff called for a stretcher, while Shane Kluivert was introduced in his place. Bisiwu covered his face with his hands and was visibly in tears as he was taken from the field.

THE FIRST UPDATE OFFERS SOME RELIEF

AS reports that the initial assessment does not indicate a fracture. Mundo Deportivo also says Barcelona are cautiously optimistic that the injury will not prove serious.

That assessment should not be confused with a confirmed medical report. Barcelona have not yet issued an official statement, while damage to the ligaments or other structures around the ankle can only be properly evaluated after further examination.

Bisiwu will undergo those tests on Thursday. Until the results arrive, it is impossible to establish an accurate recovery period.

His participation in Barça Atlètic’s Segunda Federación opener against Náxara on Sunday is now in doubt. He will also remain away from normal first-team training while the club waits to learn the full extent of the problem.

The images of the stretcher caused immediate concern. The first information is more reassuring, but Thursday’s results will matter far more than any early guess based on the player’s reaction.

AN €8.5 MILLION INVESTMENT WITH A TWO-TEAM PLAN

Barcelona signed Bisiwu from Club Brugge for approximately €8.5 million. He has been included in the senior squad list with the number 27, although the original plan was always for him to combine first-team training with regular appearances for Barça Atlètic.

Hansi Flick wanted to monitor the winger closely without leaving him short of competitive football. Wednesday’s final was supposed to represent exactly that arrangement: daily development around the senior squad and meaningful minutes under reserve-team coach Juliano Belletti.

Bisiwu had already shown flashes of his ability during pre-season, scoring twice in a 5–2 friendly victory in Basel. However, documentation and visa-related issues delayed his availability for an official first-team appearance.

The match against Sabadell was therefore another chance to build momentum. It lasted less than ten minutes.

BARCELONA WAIT FOR THURSDAY

The timing could hardly be worse. Bisiwu was only beginning his fight for a place in Flick’s plans while also being expected to play an important role for the reserve side.

There is currently no reason to predict a long absence. There is also no reason to declare the problem over. The preliminary indication that no bone has been broken provides relief, but the medical tests will determine what happens next.

Barcelona have finished building their squad. The list of problems, unfortunately, does not recognise transfer deadlines.