Fluminense Hit With Major Blow as Bernal Set to Miss Club World Cup

Fluminense will be without Facundo Bernal for several months after the Uruguayan midfielder suffered a serious muscle injury. The club confirmed that Bernal sustained a grade 3 tear in his left adductor during Sunday’s match against Atlético Mineiro, according to ge.globo. He was forced off with visible pain and has already begun treatment at the Carlos Castilho training center.

Medical staff estimate a recovery period of three to four months, effectively ruling Bernal out of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup this summer, a major setback for Fluminense’s midfield depth.

Signed in mid-2024 after rising to prominence with Defensor Sporting in Uruguay, Bernal is considered one of the club’s top young prospects. He has a contract through July 2028 and has made 18 appearances this season, contributing one assist while frequently rotating into Renato Gaúcho’s lineup.

The injury compounds Fluminense’s midfield issues, with fellow midfielder Otávio also sidelined indefinitely after rupturing his Achilles tendon earlier this year. For now, Renato will rely on Martinelli, Hércules, Nonato, and academy product Wallace Davi to cover the void in the center of the pitch.