Barcelona youngster Roony Bardghji Suffers ACL Injury, Faces Lengthy Spell at Sidelines

Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji has suffered another major setback in his young career after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the Spanish club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Sweden international is set to undergo surgery in the coming days and faces an extended period on the sidelines. Reports indicate that the recovery could keep him out for around six to seven months, potentially ruling him out for a significant part of the 2026-27 campaign.

The injury is particularly frustrating for Bardghji given his previous history with serious knee problems. He spent almost a year on the sidelines during his time at FC Copenhagen after suffering a major knee injury in 2024. Copenhagen confirmed at the time of his eventual transfer to Barcelona that the setback had kept him out for an extended period.

Bardghji joined Barcelona from Copenhagen in July 2025 after establishing himself as one of European football’s promising young attackers. During his time in Denmark, he made 84 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and helping Copenhagen win three Danish league titles and two Danish Cups.

His first season in Spain saw him become part of Hansi Flick’s first-team setup. According to Barcelona’s official statistics, Bardghji made 28 official appearances during the 2025-26 season, playing 873 minutes and scoring two goals. He also featured in four non-competitive matches, scoring once.

The winger’s development had been complicated by competition for places in Barcelona’s attack. With Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and other attacking options ahead of him, Bardghji was expected to seek regular first-team football elsewhere this summer.

A loan move had reportedly been under consideration, particularly with Barcelona strengthening their wide attacking options. However, the latest injury has effectively ended those plans, with Bardghji now expected to remain in Barcelona while he undergoes surgery and rehabilitation.

Born in Kuwait City, Bardghji moved through the youth ranks at Copenhagen after beginning his football journey with Malmö. He quickly broke into Copenhagen’s senior side and developed a reputation as a left-footed right winger capable of cutting inside and creating scoring opportunities. Barcelona describe him as a player known for his pace, skill and goalscoring ability.

Bardghji has also established himself at international level with Sweden, making his senior debut in 2025. He has since earned three caps for his country and was part of Sweden’s wider rise ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For Barcelona, the injury represents another blow to a player they signed with an eye on his long-term potential. For Bardghji, however, the immediate priority will be recovering from another serious knee injury and returning to competitive football.

At just 20, the Swedish winger now faces another lengthy rehabilitation period, but Barcelona will hope he can overcome the latest setback and resume his development once he is medically cleared to return.