Beyond just the injury problems that FC Barcelona has already endured this season, the hits seem to keep coming. Even as the Catalan giants won against CA Osasuna in the Spanish Super Cup, it was not without its casualties. Another key Barcelona player has now also joined the infirmary.
Raphinha, irrespective of his own frustrations, was a defined starter for Xavi Hernandez. Now injured for around a month, his loss comes at an unfortunate time. However, on the more fortunate end of things, another massive star has just returned at his best.
While one heads towards the sidelines, another takes the spotlight. Pedri is now well and truly back for Barcelona, and is much more than just a symbolic recovery. As highlighted by SPORT, his influence and addition provide ‘light’ and hope to this FC Barcelona side.
Following his injury on the 19th of December in training, Pedri had to miss nearly 3 more weeks of action. The games against Almeria, Las Palmas, and Barbastro were all missed by the young 21-year-old.
While Barcelona did manage to win all those games, it was with the most marginal of differences and performances. However, not that he has finally arrived, he showcased exactly what Barcelona had been missing.
Entering the field against Osasuna after the 60th-minute mark, Pedri completely turned the complexion of the game. From every little detail to even the most eye-catching moments, the Barcelona starlet was everywhere.
With 28 touches, he completed all three of his attempted dribbles. He also won all of his attempted tackles, completed every single pass he made (14), won 7 out of the 11 duels he contested, and even made a recovery.
Now, on Sunday, Pedri will likely get the nod to start against a formidable Real Madrid. The Spanish Super Cup Final awaits him, and just as he did so convincingly last year, he will be hoping to win it once more. Having missed the El Clasico in the league this season at the Monjtuic, he will be hoping to redeem his side in Riyadh.