FC BARCELONA
FC Barcelona team news update: Frenkie De Jong, Pedri and Dembélé back in training
Three previously injured players participated in training with the rest of the group, and aim to be back to face Atlético.
The sun rises and it sets again. And in between, a million football clichés are churned out for us all to suffer through. But this time, for FC Barcelona, their returning players really will feel like new signings. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Dembélé took an important step in their respective recoveries this Monday, with the trio returning to the pitch and taking part in some of the training session with the rest of the group. We can only assume they didn’t have to wear ‘Hello my name is Pedri’ badges on their shirts.
The first feelings after the session have been very positive, and as result, the objective is that at least the two centre-midfielders are available for next Sunday’s match against Atlético de Madrid; Dembélé's return could be delayed a few more days.
Barça’s recent form has seen them struggle for creativity and goals
It must be remembered that these three footballers have been off the pitch for more than a month: in the case of Pedri, he was last in action almost two months ago against Manchester United and for Ousmané, it has already been three. The timing of the returns comes as a nice boost for a side that have limped their way to two consecutive draws in games that certainly will not make the end of season DVD.
- More detail: FC Barcelona 0-0 Girona | Getafe 0-0 FC Barcelona | LaLiga Santander | Match reports and analysis
Could Pedri start against Atlético?
The return of these players is seen as vital to recover momentum and give a spark to the squad. There is no doubt that Frenkie and Pedri are key when it comes to creation in the middle of the pitch play as well as helping out in attack, while Dembélé is the player with the highest capacity to pull off something unexpectedly brilliant.
As things stand, it is expected that both Frenkie and Pedri could even be in the starting XI against Atlético, while in the case of Dembélé, if he does make the list, he would be there to start from the bench. The return of these players means that Andreas Christensen will be the only major absentee, who could theoretically return against Real Betis.