FC Barcelona have found themselves eliminated from every cup competition they have taken part in this season bar the Spanish Super Cup, where they managed to triumph over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Final. Ironically, in that 3-1 victory over Madrid, all four injured players were present and utilized to maximum effect by Xavi Hernandez.
That game remains a testament to what this team can accomplish when it has its stars available and uninjured. The return dates of all those injured players are expected to be as follows.
Frenkie De Jong:
The Dutchman suffered an issue with his hamstring initially, following the 2-1 victory of Barcelona over Real Madrid in La Liga Santander at the Spotify Camp Nou. This issue was claimed to be of no severe capacity and would see the Dutchman return sooner rather than later.
However, upon further evaluation, it became evident that the issue would persist for a slightly longer duration, resulting in the player missing out on a must-win encounter against Real Madrid.
Expected Return Date:
Frenkie de Jong is expected to return against Getafe on matchday 29 [Sunday, 16th April 2023].
Pedri:
Barcelona rest assured when Pedri is on the field, and for good cause. The youngster encapsulates the essence of Xavi’s Barcelona and provides unmatchable creativity on the field.
He acquired his own injury against Manchester United when he suffered an injury to the rectus femoris of his right leg. Since then, he was initially expected to be back within a month, and was looking like it given his training with the squad literal days before the match against Real Madrid.
Unfortunately, the player suffered a relapse in training and was then out for another considerable span of time. The player is now finally on his way to making a proper return, and should everything go as expected, he would be available to feature in the game against Atletico Madrid.
Expected Return Date:
Pedri is expected to return against Atletico Madrid on matchday 30 [Sunday, 23rd April 2023].
Ousmane Dembele:
The French winger has been pivotal for Barcelona and has been instrumental under Xavi Hernandez this season. At his best, he blows other competitors out of the water in terms of raw talent, and as Xavi has managed to utilize him well, he has improved significantly.
His injury against Girona in January saw him be diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris in his left leg. The player has been out indefinitely since but will be hoping to make a comeback around the same time as Pedri.
Expected Return Date:
Ousmane Dembele is expected to return against Atletico Madrid on matchday 30 [Sunday, 23rd April 2023].
Andreas Christensen:
The last of the four to be injured, and the only one to become sidelined while performing duties apart from those with the club. Andreas Christensen suffered an injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg while on International duty with the Denmark National team, rendering him unable to be available for service to both club and country.
The player was crucial to Xavi’s defensive structure and enabled Barcelona to be as effective in possession and without it as they were when he was available. The Danish center-back is now expected to return at a time later than all 3 of his injured teammates as it stands.
Expected Return Date:
Andreas Christensen is expected to return against Rayo Vallecano on matchday 31 [Wednesday, 26th April 2023].
