Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji faces surgery after fresh knee setback

Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee and will undergo surgery in the coming days, the club have confirmed.

The 20-year-old Sweden international was injured during training, with initial indications suggesting a serious problem. Barcelona have not given a timescale for his absence, saying his recovery will be assessed fully after the operation.

The injury is particularly concerning for Bardghji because it affects the same right knee in which he previously suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear while playing for Copenhagen.

Bardghji had been preparing for the new season with Barcelona after making 28 official appearances for the club last term. He played 21 times in La Liga, five times in the UEFA Champions League, once in the Copa del Rey and once in the Spanish Super Cup.

The winger scored two goals and provided four assists across those appearances.

His latest injury is expected to disrupt both his personal plans and Barcelona’s preparations for the start of the campaign. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries generally require a lengthy period of rehabilitation before a player can return to competitive football, although the club have not yet confirmed how long Bardghji is expected to be sidelined.

Bardghji had also been the subject of speculation during the summer transfer window. The player was reportedly open to leaving Barcelona, either on loan or in a permanent move that included an option for the club to buy him back.

That situation may now change significantly, with the immediate priority expected to be his surgery, rehabilitation and eventual return to action rather than finding a new club.

Barcelona’s announcement confirms concerns that had emerged after Bardghji’s training-ground injury in the preceding hours. The club had been facing the beginning of a new season, and the loss of a Swedish winger who featured regularly across several competitions represents another setback before their competitive fixtures begin.

The injury comes at a difficult time for Bardghji, who had been seeking to build on his involvement during the previous campaign. His 28 appearances included matches in domestic and European competition, giving him an important role within Barcelona’s squad.

For now, the club will await the outcome of the operation before providing further details about his recovery. Until then, neither Barcelona nor the player has a confirmed timetable for his return to training or matches.