FC Barcelona are currently in the midst of missing two of their most potent and important players in the forms of Pedri and Ousmane Dembele. Both injured and still some ways away from returning, there does still exist a deadline in mind within the FC Barcelona camp as to when both of Xavi’s important pieces will make a return.
Pedri, the genius youngster and the heart of this Catalan midfield, was injured against Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-offs. Suffering a tear in the rectus femoris of his right thigh, his prognosis dictated that he would be out of action for the Catalans for at least a month.
Similarly, French winger Ousmane Dembele, who had been enjoying quite easily one of his finest spells at Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez, suffered an injury against Girona in his rectus femoris as well, albeit for him it was his left thigh that got affected.
The forward’s peculiar playing style and unorthodox mix of pace and technique made him quite the enigma for oppositions to deal with, and in his absence, the Catalans have at times even looked toothless.
As per recent reports from Mundo Deportivo, both players are currently working on a strict plan and recovery routine to be available for selection come the 19th of March, when Real Madrid are set to visit Barcelona’s home at the Spotify Camp Nou for their 2nd El Clasico fixture of the 2022/2023 La Liga Santander campaign.
Earlier reports suggested that the pair may aim to be back in time for the 2nd March fixture against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Ray semi-final 1st leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, this seemed too hopeful to be true as Xavi himself would rather not take any risks with the recovery of his two gems, as a relapse in these final stages of the season could prove to be massively detrimental to the team’s objectives of competing well and far ahead in both La Liga and the Copa Del Ray.