Pedri return match confirmed by Barcelon

Barcelona has confirmed the long-awaited return date for midfield star Pedri following his latest injury setback.

The young Spaniard has been a linchpin in the team’s high-pressing, possession-heavy style, but his latest hamstring issue sidelined him at a critical juncture following the Girona loss.

With Eric Garcia nursing a thigh problem and transfer whispers swirling around Alejandro Balde, the squad’s depth feels stretched thin ahead of a packed February schedule.

Barcelona have confirmed Pedri’s return match against Levante, with the 22-year-old set to feature and gain crucial minutes in the La Liga clash on February 22, as reported by Javi Miguel of AS.

Medical staff gave him full clearance after intensive training sessions, allowing Flick to reintegrate him cautiously – likely 45-60 minutes to rebuild match sharpness without risking relapse.

Pedri’s pre-injury stats, including 92% pass accuracy and 2.1 key passes per game, underscore why his absence left creative gaps, forcing over-reliance on youth while Robert Lewandowski rotated upfront.

This timely boost arrives as Barcelona navigates broader challenges. Joan Laporta’s €100m signing pledge for re-election looms large, potentially funding left-back targets like Alejandro Grimaldo, Daniel Svensson, or Miguel Gutiérrez amid Balde’s €40m Manchester United interest.

Youth coups such as Norwich’s Ajay Tavares and Ajax’s Tristan Gooijer signal long-term planning, while Lewandowski’s exit drift opens attacking questions.

Pedri’s synergy with Lamine Yamal could unlock Levante’s stubborn defence, where Barcelona holds a strong historical edge.

Flick’s management of Pedri’s minutes will be pivotal, balancing immediate impact against his injury history that has limited him to under 2,000 minutes per season.

His return fortifies the midfield core, blending La Masia finesse with German intensity for a statement performance at Spotify Camp Nou.

Against a mid-table Levante side, Pedri’s composure offers redemption post-Girona – a chance to steady the title push and silence doubters in a campaign defined by resilience.