Bernardo is poised to endure an extended period on the sidelines, as the Australian prodigy prepares for surgery on his Achilles tendon following confirmation from medical scans.
Having recently completed a transfer from Adelaide United in January, the 19-year-old sensation showcased promising form, netting three goals in four appearances for the Isuzu UTE A-League before succumbing to injury.
Since his arrival at Macarthur, Bernardo has garnered commendation for his performances, with Bulls head coach Mile Sterjovski endorsing the teenager’s potential for European football following a standout display against Melbourne City in Round 19.
Sterjovski expressed his satisfaction with Bernardo’s integration into the team, lauding his adaptability to the squad’s style of play during interactions with the press.
Bernardo, whose lineage ties him to Adelaide United through his father, former club legend Cassio, departed the Reds in January via a mutual contract termination. His tenure with Adelaide saw him feature in 39 matches across various competitions, where he contributed five goals.
Opting for a fresh start, Bernardo opted to join Sterjovski’s Bulls, a decision that the coach welcomed as a boost to the squad’s quality and competitiveness.
Sterjovski emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for talented young players like Bernardo, underlining the necessity for belief and consistent game time to nurture their development and contribution to the team’s success.