Barcelona have been hit hard with injuries in midfield as they approach a critical phase of the season, with both Frenkie de Jong and Pedri set to miss important matches. The duo will be absent for the upcoming Champions League clash against Napoli and the crucial LaLiga fixture against Atlético Madrid. This double setback comes at a time when Barcelona can ill afford to lose key players, especially in midfield where they are already dealing with the absence of Gavi.
De Jong is expected to be out of action for approximately a month after suffering an ankle sprain during Barcelona’s recent goalless draw against Athletic Club. On the other hand, Pedri is grappling with a thigh issue, the severity of which is yet to be determined. Given Pedri’s history of injuries, the club is exercising caution and refraining from setting a specific timeline for his return. It is anticipated that Pedri will not be available for selection until at least April.
The absence of De Jong and Pedri leaves Barcelona short-handed in midfield, especially with crucial fixtures on the horizon. With the Champions League tie against Napoli looming large, Barcelona will need to find alternatives to cope with the absence of two key midfielders. Xavi Hernández will have to rely on the remaining fit central midfielders in the squad, while also considering deploying players in unfamiliar positions to cover for the absence of De Jong and Pedri.
Barcelona’s season objectives have been thrown into uncertainty with the injury setbacks to De Jong and Pedri. The club is not only chasing a top-four finish in LaLiga but also aiming to keep their slim title hopes alive. The upcoming matches against Mallorca and Atlético Madrid will be crucial in determining Barcelona’s fate in the league this season. Additionally, the potential Champions League quarterfinal tie in April and the LaLiga Clásico against Real Madrid further highlight the importance of having a fully fit squad.
This is not the first time that De Jong and Pedri have had to deal with injury setbacks this season. De Jong previously suffered a similar ankle sprain earlier in the campaign, leading to a significant period on the sidelines. Pedri, on the other hand, has had a history of injuries dating back to his debut season with Barcelona. The midfielder has been plagued by various muscular issues, hampering his availability for several matches over the past few seasons.
With Gavi already ruled out for the season due to injury, Barcelona will need to explore alternative options in midfield. Xavi has called up young talents like Marc Casadó and Pau Prim to train with the first team, indicating a potential shift towards a more youthful approach in midfield. Additionally, the versatility of players like Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen may see them being deployed in midfield roles to provide cover in the absence of De Jong and Pedri.
Barcelona faces a challenging period ahead as they navigate a series of crucial fixtures without the services of De Jong and Pedri in midfield. The club will need to rely on their squad depth, tactical flexibility, and the emergence of young talents to overcome these injury setbacks and stay competitive in both domestic and European competitions.