Barcelona, Jan 22 (IANS) Football giant Barcelona have been dealt a major injury blow after their 2-0 win over Slavia Prague on Wednesday night, as their midfield linchpin Pedri Gonzalez has been injured and set to be out for a long time.
The Spanish international was forced off shortly after the hour mark and is scheduled to undergo detailed medical assessments in Barcelona on Friday. Early indications suggest the injury is not severe, though reports in Spanish media indicate a minor hamstring tear that could sideline him for five weeks.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, Pedri is expected to miss a significant portion of Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures, potentially ruling him out of six to seven matches across competitions over the next month. The club faces a congested schedule that includes domestic league action, European commitments, and Copa del Rey fixtures.
Barcelona are set to host Real Oviedo this weekend before concluding the Champions League group phase against Copenhagen. Domestic cup ties against Elche and Albacete follow, along with league matches versus Mallorca at home and away trips to Girona and Levante. A return could be possible in early February if recovery progresses without complications.
The injury may also affect Barcelona’s European and domestic cup ambitions. Pedri is likely to miss at least the first leg of the play-off round in mid-February. Progression to the Copa del Rey semifinals would further extend his absence, with the first leg scheduled in early February.
Adding to Barcelona’s midfield concerns, Frenkie de Jong will be unavailable for the Copenhagen encounter due to suspension.
Pedri has already endured injury interruptions this season, having previously missed nearly a month with a hamstring issue and later sat out another match due to knee discomfort. Overall, the midfielder has been absent for six matches so far in the campaign.
Barcelona’s results without him have been mixed. They managed four league victories during his previous absence, but struggled in Europe, settling for a draw against Club Brugge and suffering a heavy defeat to Chelsea.
The club will now await medical clarity as it looks to navigate a crucial phase of the season without one of its most influential players.
--IANS
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