Bad news about Pedri´s injury time

The muscle injury confirmed this morning had already been a hard blow for Barcelona fans. Initially, it was expected that the player could return after the November international break, specifically for the match against Athletic Club on the 22nd. However, the latest tests have changed the outlook and the recovery time will be longer.

A more serious diagnosis than expected

The medical tests that Pedri underwent this Wednesday afternoon confirmed that the muscle injury is more significant than what the initial examinations indicated. The Tenerife player could be out for around six weeks. Initially, the plan was for him to miss only the Champions League matches in Bruges and the league match in Vigo against Celta. He would also not be available against Elche this Sunday due to suspension. After the match in Balaídos, the international break would come, which seemed to give him time to recover.

He won´t return until December

From the club, it was even considered a "good news" in quotes that Pedri was not called up by his national team, as this would allow him to recover and be ready for the match against Athletic Club, the first at Spotify Camp Nou after the renovations. However, the evolution of the injury also rules out that possibility. The midfielder could miss a total of six matches with Barça, not counting the one against Elche. In addition to the matches against Bruges, Celta, and Athletic Club, he would also be absent at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea (November 25), at Montjuïc against Alavés (November 29), and probably in the Barça-Atlético de Madrid (December 2). His return is now pointed to December 7 at La Cartuja against Betis.

Options to replace him

Pedri´s absence, estimated at around a month and a half, forces Hansi Flick to readjust his scheme. The Tenerife player is a key player in midfield, difficult to replace, and until now he had participated in all matches. The most immediate alternatives involve placing Marc Casadó in the pivot and advancing Frenkie de Jong´s position. Additionally, Fermín has established himself as the most productive attacking midfielder so far this season, while the return of Dani Olmo is awaited, who could gradually reappear this Sunday in Montjuïc. Also, the youth player Dro could continue to add minutes during this period of absences.