FC Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Pedro Gonzalez, known as Pedri, will be out for around a month due to a right hamstring injury.
The club shared the update on X after medical tests were carried out on Thursday morning. Pedri picked up the injury during Wednesday’s 4-2 Champions League win away at Slavia Prague.
“INJURY UPDATE Tests conducted this morning have confirmed that first team player Pedro González “Pedri” has a right hamstring injury, which he picked up during the game against Slavia Prague yesterday. The recovery time is expected to be one month.” Barcelona worte on X.
The 23-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in Prague but was forced off soon after feeling discomfort. He returned to Barcelona with the squad for further checks, which confirmed the extent of the injury. Barcelona expect Pedri to be sidelined until the end of February, ruling him out of a busy run of fixtures.
During his absence, Barcelona are set to play seven matches across competitions. Their schedule begins with two home games, starting against Real Oviedo in LaLiga on Sunday. That is followed by a key Champions League clash against Copenhagen next Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium.
Further league fixtures are lined up against Elche, Girona, Mallorca, and Levante. A Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Albacete is also set for early February. Barcelona could also face additional Champions League games if they fail to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.
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Barcelona Is In a Strong Position Despite Pedri’s Injury
Despite sitting ninth in the Champions League table, Barcelona remain in a strong position. A win over Copenhagen could be enough to avoid the knockout play-offs. That scenario is helped by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United facing each other, which guarantees dropped points for one rival.
However, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted the injury was a blow.
“I don’t know what he has exactly, but it’s the hamstring,” Flick said to the media after the game, per ESPN. “It is what it is. Sometimes these things happen. I don’t know how long he will be out. It’s not good news. We will see [on Thursday].”
The absence of Pedri will also be felt alongside another midfield setback. Frenkie de Jong will miss the Copenhagen match through suspension after picking up his third booking of the campaign. Flick may look to players like Eric García, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, or Marc Bernal to fill the gap.
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Pedri has been a regular this season after enjoying better fitness under Flick. He has made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 8 assists. In LaLiga, he has started 14 matches, adding 2 goals and 5 assists while helping dictate play in midfield.
However, this is not his first setback this season. Pedri missed five games earlier with a hamstring problem and another match in December due to a calf issue.
Barcelona will now hope his latest recovery goes smoothly as they push on in both domestic and European competitions.