Rabat – Barcelona have suffered another major setback as midfielder Pedri has been ruled out with a hamstring injury following the 2–1 defeat to Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old tore the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh and will miss several key matches.
Pedri has been one of Hansi Flick’s most reliable players this season, starting all 13 competitive games and playing over 1,000 minutes, more than anyone else in the squad.
He also featured in all of Spain’s World Cup qualifiers in September and October. His heavy workload appears to have taken a toll, with fatigue and overuse likely contributing to the injury.
Barcelona confirmed the news in an official statement, saying Pedri’s recovery will determine when he returns.
He was already suspended for the upcoming match against Elche after being sent off in El Clásico, but will now miss more games, including the Champions League clash with Club Brugge and the La Liga fixture against Elche. Reports suggest he could be out for up to three weeks.
Pedri’s absence adds to a growing injury list. Barcelona are already without Raphinha, Gavi, Ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen.
Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, and Ferran Torres are also dealing with fitness issues. The situation leaves Flick with limited options, especially in midfield.
The team has struggled in recent weeks, losing to Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla, and Madrid. They now trail Real Madrid by five points in La Liga. Flick now faces pressure to find quick solutions.
To fill the gap, the coach is expected to turn to young players like Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez, and Dro Fernandez. While Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, and Dani Olmo are close to returning, their impact may not match Pedri’s influence.
Known as the “metronome” of Barcelona’s midfield, Pedri’s vision and control have been key. His injury forces Flick to rethink his tactics as the team enters a crucial period of the season.
