This season has not been kind to FC Barcelona in regards to injuries, as the Catalans have already missed several of their important players even in its early phases. Players like Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Yamal, and Lewandowski have all missed game time due to injuries, and Kounde has also entered this list of unfit players for now.
However, there is some relief awaiting Barcelona in this regard, as some of these players are recovering well and are close to their returns to the team.
Pedri nearing his return from injury
According to Mundo Deportivo, Pedri is one such player, who is going through the final phases of his recovery. The former Las Palmas midfielder suffered an injury to the rectus femoris of the right leg on 24th August and was predicted to be out for eight weeks at that time. These eight weeks will be completed next week.
Barcelona’s plan for Pedri is to undertake a control ultrasound on the player next week to ensure that his injury has completely healed and then allow him to join the training with the rest of his teammates.
By this time, players with international duties will also be returning to the club, with those with Spain the earliest to return on Tuesday.
Barcelona not to take any risks
Barcelona want to ensure that Pedri is ready to start against Real Madrid but will gradually get into the team in the two matches prior to El Clasico. Thus, he will have minutes against Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk and ideally can have a leading role in these two matches.
Keeping in view his frequent muscle injuries and importance in Xavi’s team, the club will be very careful in handling their star midfielder. Thus, the Catalans do not want to take any risks with him and will play him in an official match only if he is fully ready.
The club will also be particularly wary about his actions while shooting on goal, as his latest injury came through such an action.
Therefore, it will ultimately all depend on Pedri himself, and he will be played only if he is feeling fully comfortable in the match against Real Madrid. While this can be the most important match in La Liga for now, Barcelona will still not take any risks with Pedri to ensure his long-term fitness.