Barcelona has confirmed the long-awaited return date for midfield star Pedri following his latest injury setback.
The setback comes at a difficult moment for Hansi Flick’s side, who are already juggling a demanding run of matches and cannot afford to lose another creative outlet in the middle of the pitch.
Barcelona will hope the issue is short-term, but the early indications suggest caution will be the priority.
The Barcelona maestro suffered hamstring discomfort during the loss to Atlético, and he is now likely to miss the upcoming Catalan derby against Espanyol.
According to AS, Pedri felt the problem during the tense Champions League clash and was not able to shake it off fully, prompting the medical staff to assess him carefully after the match.
While the injury is not being treated as a major tear, the discomfort is enough to rule him out of immediate contention unless there is a rapid and unexpected recovery.
For Barcelona, Pedri’s possible absence is a major tactical blow. The 22-year-old has become central to the team’s rhythm, dictating possession, connecting the lines, and giving Flick the kind of technical control that few midfielders in Europe can match.
When Pedri is absent, Barcelona often loses some of its natural balance, especially against opponents who press aggressively and try to break its structure in midfield.
Espanyol’s visit may therefore come too early for the Spain international, and Flick could be forced to turn to alternative midfield combinations to keep the side stable.
If Pedri does sit out the derby, Barcelona will be taking the safe route rather than the dramatic one.
The hope inside the club is that the issue remains minor and that their midfield star can return shortly after, but for now, the timeline points to a careful rest period rather than an immediate comeback.
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