A Barcelona Star Was Taken to the Hospital in Recent Hours to Undergo an Emergency Surgery

Reports have confirmed that Barcelona defender and Spain U-21 international Gerard Martin suffered a fracture to his right metatarsal during Spain’s 3–2 victory over Slovakia in the opening round of the UEFA Euro 2025 group stage.

According to the Spanish outlet *Sport*, Martin is expected to return to Barcelona on Thursday to undergo surgery after sustaining the injury during the match. The young defender attempted to play through the pain but was ultimately forced off at halftime. Martin’s injury occurred after a heavy knock to his wrist, but the damage was more severe than initially thought.

Despite his early exit, Spain managed to secure a 2–0 lead by halftime, thanks to goals from Mark Pupil and Mathieu Joseph. The fracture not only rules Martin out for the remainder of the tournament but also poses a significant setback for his club career. Barcelona will now have to reassess his recovery timeline, which could impact their preseason plans.

Additionally, the injury may complicate any potential transfer moves involving Martin this summer. The 21-year-old had been attracting interest from several European clubs following his impressive performances for both club and country. Following the match, Martin was immediately taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

Medical staff determined that emergency surgery was necessary to address the fracture, prompting his official withdrawal from Spain’s squad. Barcelona’s medical team will oversee his rehabilitation process, with early estimates suggesting a lengthy recovery period. Metatarsal injuries can often take several months to heal fully, depending on the severity.

This development comes as a major blow to Spain’s U-21 squad, as Martin had been a key figure in their defensive setup. His absence will force manager Santi Denia to adjust his tactics for the remaining group stage matches. For Barcelona, the timing is far from ideal. With preseason preparations set to begin soon, the club may now need to explore defensive reinforcements if Martin faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Fans have taken to social media to wish the young defender a speedy recovery, with many expressing hope that he can return stronger in time for the new season. As of now, no official statement has been released regarding the expected duration of Martin’s recovery, but further updates are anticipated following his surgery. Barcelona will be closely monitoring his progress in the coming weeks.