Jesse Bisiwu tipped for a debut? For now, he has only returned to training

Jesse Bisiwu is back in first-team training and has immediately been linked with a possible competitive debut against Feyenoord in the Champions League. The development is encouraging, particularly after the worrying scenes surrounding his ankle injury, but the headline has travelled considerably faster than the evidence.

There has been no official confirmation that Hansi Flick will include the 18-year-old in his matchday squad. There is also no indication that the coach has promised him playing time. At this stage, Bisiwu is available for consideration — not booked in for a European debut.

A QUICK RETURN AFTER AN ALARMING INCIDENT

Bisiwu was injured during the Copa Catalunya final against CE Sabadell. He was caught by a heavy stamp, taken off on a stretcher and subsequently seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot. Later examinations reportedly ruled out a major ankle injury, allowing him to return to first-team work.

Even the Spanish reports disagree on some of the basic details. “Mundo Deportivo” refers to an injury to his left ankle after 12 minutes on the pitch, while “AS” reports a right-ankle problem and says he lasted fewer than ten minutes. What is beyond dispute is that the winger could not continue and initially required significant assistance.

His return to training is therefore a positive step. It is not, by itself, proof that he is ready to play a Champions League match only days after leaving another game on a stretcher.

AVAILABLE DOES NOT MEAN SELECTED

“Mundo Deportivo” says Bisiwu could be available to face Feyenoord. That wording matters. It does not confirm a call-up, a place among the substitutes or a plan to introduce him during the match.

The Belgian was included in Barcelona’s Champions League squad, which makes him eligible. Registration merely clears the administrative hurdle, however. Flick must still assess his fitness, the needs of the team and a well-stocked group of attacking alternatives.

Monday’s session was Barcelona’s first after the 5–0 win over Valencia. The starters followed a lighter recovery programme, while players with fewer minutes were given a heavier workload. Bisiwu’s presence with the senior group should consequently not be treated as coded confirmation of Flick’s intentions.

Barcelona have a talented teenager back in training. The surrounding media narrative already has him walking out for a Champions League fixture. It is an impressive acceleration, even by the standards of the club’s prospect-production industry.

HIS FIRST APPEARANCE HAS ALREADY HAPPENED

Bisiwu has, in fact, already played for Barcelona’s senior side. He appeared against Udinese during a preseason triangular tournament in Italy, entering the second match in the 15th minute and operating from the left wing.

Any appearance against Feyenoord would therefore be his official competitive debut, not his first outing in a Barcelona shirt. That distinction is less dramatic, but considerably more accurate.

Barcelona signed Bisiwu from Club Brugge on a contract running until 30 June 2031. The club described him as a quick, powerful winger with strong dribbling ability and significant potential. Those qualities make him worth following without turning every training-session photograph into a selection announcement.

For now, the sensible conclusion is simple: Bisiwu has recovered sufficiently to train and may be considered. A call-up remains unconfirmed, while actual minutes are another decision entirely.