Barcelona have suffered a major setback in their bid to catch Real Madrid in La Liga this weekend, after the presence of key midfielder Pedri was ‘virtually ruled out’, as per the latest reports.
The 20-year-old has been out since mid-August after picking up a hamstring injury, and was expected to be ack in mid-October, recovering for their clash with Athletic Club this weekend at the latest. However his recovery has been slower than expected, and as Sport report, Barcelona have decided not to risk him during El Clasico against Real Madrid this Saturday.
Ahead of their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk this Wednesday, Barcelona had a light session, but none of their six injured players returned to action. With Pedri having been out for two months, and given the intensity of the Clasico, they will not risk him, save a miracle. The best they can hope for is that Pedri returns to full training at some point during the week, but to go from two months out into El Clasico is a risk they are not willing to take with one of their best players.
This leaves Xavi Hernandez looking at a midfield of Gavi, Ilkay Gundogan and likely Oriol Romeu. His only other option would be youngster Fermin Lopez, while Frenkie de Jong is struggling to be back for the Clasico too, meaning it will be an understrength XI for Barcelona.
