Why is Pedri not playing for Barcelona against Celta Vigo?

After opening the 2023-24 campaign with a goalless draw against Getafe, LaLiga champions Barcelona have embarked on a superb run of form that has seen them record five victories in a row in all competitions, scoring 18 goals in the process. Xavi Hernández’s side have recorded back-to-back 5-0 home victories over Real Betis and Belgian side Antwerp, which they have achieved without the services of midfielder Pedri, one of last season’s star men.

Given his form last term, it came as absolute no surprise to see the 20-year-old start the campaign as a first pick, playing for 79 minutes against Getafe and the full game the following week against Cádiz, in which he scored the opening goal. However, he has sat out Barça’s subsequent four matches and will again be absent as they face Celta Vigo at Montjuïc on Saturday.

What injury is Pedri suffering from?

Pedri missed a reasonable chunk of the second half of last season because of a thigh injury and has again been sidelined by a similar issue, suffered in the last week in August. Barcelona announced that the youngster was set to miss at least four weeks of action, a period of time which has now passed.

When will Pedri be back in action for Barça?

Most recent estimates, however, have suggested that the midfielder, while recovering well from his injury, won’t be back in action until after the next international break, which ends on October 17. If that timeframe turns out to be accurate, the Canary Islander will miss four more LaLiga games (Celta Vigo, Mallorca, Sevilla and Granada), as well as the Champions League group clash away to Porto.

The good news is that he should be available for selection by the time Barça play their first Clásico of the season against Real Madrid, scheduled for 28 October.