Barcelona fans are breathing a sigh of relief as injury updates for their squad continue to improve.
The club has already had to navigate a tricky few weeks without key players, and the timing of international breaks has made squad management even more delicate.
With crucial La Liga and Champions League fixtures approaching, the presence of influential players can make a huge difference to the team’s momentum.
The medical staff at Barcelona have been working closely with players to ensure recovery timelines are realistic while balancing the risk of relapse.
Meanwhile, other clubs in Europe are facing similar challenges, making the management of fitness and squad rotation increasingly vital in this congested season.
The main focus now turns to Barcelona’s midfield dynamo, Pedri, whose injury had initially put him out of action for several weeks.
The 22-year-old suffered a setback during training following the Clasico defeat to Real Madrid, and early assessments had projected a return only in early December.
This timeline meant he would miss key encounters against Athletic Club, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, leaving a notable gap in Barcelona’s engine room.
However, according to reports from AS, Pedri’s recovery is progressing much faster than anticipated.
There’s a growing possibility that he could feature briefly against Athletic Club immediately after the international break.
If this return on 22 November materialises, it would shorten his recovery period by more than two weeks compared to initial projections.
Despite these positive signs, the club is remaining cautious, mindful of previous relapses such as Raphinha’s, which occurred just prior to El Clasico.
Current evaluations suggest that Pedri’s involvement against Atletico Madrid is increasingly likely, and there is even a chance he could travel to London to face Chelsea.
For now, the young midfielder is handling his workload without any issues, and all indicators point to a smooth continuation of his recovery.
If progress continues at the current pace, Barcelona could reintegrate Pedri into full team training as early as next week, albeit gradually and under careful supervision to prevent any setbacks.
The coming days will be crucial for finalising the specifics of his return, but optimism is cautiously growing among both staff and supporters alike.
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