Pedri Suffers Another Setback: A Blow for Xavi and Barcelona

Bad news strikes for Xavi Hernández as Pedri faces another injury setback. Just moments after Frenkie de Jong was forced off due to injury in the first half of the Athletic Club-FC Barcelona clash at San Mamés, Pedri has suffered another setback. Despite starting the year 2024 with promising signs of regular playtime, Pedri’s hopes have been dashed once again.

In the dying moments of the first half, Pedri dropped deep into his own half to aid in ball distribution. With Athletic Club applying fierce pressure, as highlighted in SPORT’s preview, Xavi had instructed the midfielders to act as ‘quarterbacks’. Unfortunately, it was during a long pass with his right foot that the Tenerife-born midfielder sustained the injury.

Beyond the duration of his absence (with just nine days until the return leg against Napoli, it seems highly unlikely he’ll be fit for the continental fixture), the physical setback represents a significant blow for Pedri. It marks a step back at a time when it seemed injuries were granting him a reprieve, allowing him to return to what he loves most: football. Visibly affected, Pedri left the field at San Mamés with a heavy heart.

On the bench, the Canary Islander couldn’t hold back his tears. Understandably, he appeared devastated. At a crucial juncture of the season, as Barcelona strives to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid and aims for the Champions League quarterfinals against Napoli, Pedri finds himself back in the infirmary.