The concern is not only related to the images of his departure. The 18-year-old Belgian winger had been gaining ground within the club and was beginning to be considered one of the youngsters who could gradually become involved with Hansi Flick’s first team.
Jesse Bisiwu’s Injury Raises Concerns at Barcelona
One of FC Barcelona’s biggest young prospects saw the Copa Catalunya final end in the worst possible way. Jesse Bisiwu had to leave the Barça Atlètic match against CE Sabadell on a stretcher after suffering a heavy blow to his ankle in the opening minutes.
For now, Barcelona will have to wait.
Initial reports have ruled out a fracture, but Bisiwu will undergo further tests to determine the exact extent of the injury and how long he could be sidelined.B
An Injury Just Minutes Into the Match
Bisiwu did not even make it through the opening 10 minutes at the Nova Creu Alta.
The winger received the ball and attempted to get past Gonzalo Ávila “Pipa,” but during the play, the Sabadell defender stepped on his ankle. Bisiwu immediately went down, and his reaction made it clear that something was wrong.
He tried to recover, but quickly required attention from the medical staff. He was eventually substituted and left the field on a stretcher, unable to walk normally.
Now Barcelona are waiting for the final diagnosis before establishing any potential timetable for his return.
Bisiwu Had Caught Flick’s Attention During Preseason
The injury comes precisely when Bisiwu’s name was beginning to gain momentum around the first team.
Barcelona signed him this summer from Club Brugge and handed him a contract through June 2031. From the moment his arrival was announced, the club highlighted three of the young Belgian’s main qualities: speed, power and the ability to beat opponents one-on-one.
His adaptation began almost immediately.
Bisiwu traveled with the first team for the preseason training camp in England and had the opportunity to work directly under Hansi Flick. Shortly afterward came the performance that really caught everyone’s attention.
Against FC Basel, the winger entered during the closing stages and needed only a few moments to show why there is so much excitement surrounding his future.
Bisiwu scored twice in less than two minutes during Barcelona’s 5-2 victory at St. Jakob-Park. For his first goal, he received a pass from Dani Olmo, cut inside and fired into the top corner. Moments later, he struck again after an assist from Lamine Yamal to complete his brace.
They were not competitive goals, but they were still an important introduction in front of Flick.
One of Barcelona’s Bets for the Future
Bisiwu arrived in Barcelona at just 18 years old, but with considerable experience for his age.
Born in Leuven, he began his development in Belgium before eventually joining Club Brugge. At just 15, he had already made his debut for Club NXT, the Belgian club’s reserve side, where he went on to make 36 appearances in the country’s second division.
He also began to make an impression internationally with Belgium’s youth teams.
His performance at the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship was particularly important. Belgium reached the semifinals and Bisiwu was named to the Team of the Tournament, recognition that helped establish him as one of the most promising young wingers of his generation.
Barcelona did not sign him with only the reserve team in mind.
The club already lists him as part of the first-team squad with the No. 27 shirt, although the plan is for him to combine work under Flick with minutes for Barça Atlètic as he continues his development.
An Unexpected Setback at the Worst Possible Time
That is precisely why the injury is concerning.
Bisiwu was at that difficult stage where a young player is trying to prove that he is ready to take the next step. Preseason had opened the door, and his brace against FC Basel showed that he could take advantage of opportunities with the senior team.
He still had work to do before establishing himself permanently with the first team, but he had already achieved something important: catching Flick’s attention.
Now everything will depend on the results of his medical tests.
If it is ultimately confirmed that there is no significant injury, the scare will simply represent a minor setback in his adaptation process. If the ankle requires more time, Barcelona will have to be patient with a player they consider part of their future.
Bisiwu is only 18 and has just begun his story with the Catalan club.
That is precisely why, after watching him leave the Nova Creu Alta on a stretcher, the only thing that matters for Barcelona is that his story can continue as soon as possible.
