Barcelona’s season has been shaped by injury frustrations, and the constant need to adapt, with recent weeks testing the squad’s depth and patience across competitions.
Despite flashes of control and quality, the absence of key figures has left the team searching for balance, particularly in midfield where rhythm and tempo have often felt just out of reach.
Hansi Flick has had to juggle line-ups carefully, leaning on rotation and tactical tweaks while waiting for reinforcements to return at the right moment.
Encouragingly, the situation is beginning to shift, with one long-awaited comeback now edging closer and offering renewed optimism inside the club.
According to AS, plans are in place for Pedri to receive medical clearance on Sunday, provided there are no late complications in his recovery process.
If everything goes smoothly, the midfielder could make a brief return to competitive action in the upcoming clash against Levante, marking his first minutes after several weeks on the sidelines.
The intention is not to rush him back, but rather to reintroduce him carefully, ensuring his body responds well under match conditions.
The timing could not be more significant for Barcelona, especially with Raphinha already reintegrated and the squad slowly regaining its familiar structure.
Flick views the midfielder as a crucial piece in restoring control and fluidity, particularly during phases where Barcelona look to dominate possession and dictate the pace.
With injuries continuing to limit options elsewhere, even a short cameo could change the dynamic of the game and lift the collective confidence of the group.
The injury itself occurred during Barcelona’s 4–2 Champions League win away at Slavia Prague, a match that initially appeared to be a positive turning point.
Early assessments suggested a month-long absence, forcing him to miss a demanding run of fixtures against Real Oviedo, Copenhagen, Elche, Albacete, Mallorca, and Atletico Madrid.
Concerns were understandable at first, given his injury history, but the recovery progressed faster than expected, easing anxiety within the medical staff.
Earlier this month, he was already back on the training pitch, working with the ball and steadily increasing intensity under close supervision.
That progress has now brought Barcelona to the brink of welcoming back one of their most influential players at a critical stage of the season.
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