Despite a rough end to 2023, Barcelona has much higher aims for the new year. The Blaugranes are determined to close the gap in La Liga, but they will also now have other objectives to focus on. Beyond just the league, Barcelona will now also be competing in the domestic cup competitions in January.
Following their first game against UD Las Palmas in La Liga, they will then take on Barbastro in the Copa Del Ray. Prior to those games, the team also has to undergo a rigorous training schedule as well. However, there is additional hope for Barcelona ahead of their Spanish Super Cup encounter, at least.
One of their most crucial players, Pedri, still remains sidelined as he continues individual gym work. However, as reported by AS, the 21-year-old midfield prodigy will travel with the Barcelona first team to Saudi Arabia.
This will allow him to hypothetically be an option for Xavi in either the game against Osasuna or the hypothetical final if they win.
Thus far, AS reports that Pedri is currently ruled out for the semi-final against CA Osasuna. However, he remains a possibility to feature in the final if his sensations are good and he gets the medical green light.
At the moment, the message from Barcelona remains clear that no unnecessary risks will be taken with his recovery. Having already suffered too many muscular problems and relapses, the club does not want their young ‘Golden Boy’ to suffer any more unwanted problems.
While Pedri continues to recover, Xavi has his other midfielders to depend upon for the first few games of the year. Both Frenkie De Jong and Ilkay Gundogan will undoubtedly be guaranteed starters for Barcelona, while other options could fill up that third spot in the midfield. Fermin Lopez, Oriol Romeu, and now even Sergi Roberto are all players that Xavi could deploy in his team.
