BARCELONA
Barcelona injury update: Pedri ruled out of game against Athletic Club
Barcelona’s recovery room still has its fair share of occupants, but Xavi may be able to welcome back a certain star player by the end of the month.
Xavi Hernández will not be able to have Pedri back in time for FC Barcelona’s upcoming game against Athletic Club on Sunday, 22 October (kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.), AS understands.
In fact, the central midfielder will not return to training with the group on Monday 16 October, meaning that in the best case scenario, we will not see Pedri back until at least October 25, when the blaugrana play against Shakhtar in the UEFA Champions League.
In that game, even if the player is deemed fit to play, he will only see a small amount of minutes given to him as the club turns all their attention to the Clásico on October 28, which, despite it being fairly early on in the season, still holds much significance in terms of the LaLiga table.
What injury did Pedri suffer? Will he play against Real Madrid?
Pedri’s injury occurred during a training session way back on August 24. The club kept their statement on the matter short, saying that “Pedri has suffered an injury to his right thigh. He is out of action and the evolution of the injury will determine his availability.” The initial diagnosis following medical examination was a period of two months, meaning that if he does return for the game against the Ukrainian opponents, the midfielder will have recovered following the anticipated time frame exactly as hoped.
Whether he comes back on time or not, what the club are clear on is that the player will, under no circumstances, be rushed to return: the club doctors are well aware of a relapse risk, as this injury itself is a relapse. He will only be given the all-clear when it is judged that Pedri is 100% fit to return, meaning that if he does not make it for the Shakhtar game, then a start on the bench against Real Madrid becomes the main focus.
Barcelona’s latest injury news
Xavi will be able to have both Balde and Lamine Yamal in his upcoming squad for the LaLiga tie against their northern opponents. It is predicted that both players will recover on time for the game and be back at 100% fitness. The players suffered slight injuries during the international break: Lamine Yamal in his pelvis and Balde in his hip; they are both expected to be back for the game with no issues.
Apart from Pedri, Xavi will also have the absences of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to contend with against Athletic. They are hugely important losses for the coach who will cross his fingers that at least one of them can be back against their eternal rivals, Real Madrid.
