23-year-old Barcelona star set to start against Villarreal after month-long absence | OneFootball

Hansi Flick would not be able to count on one of his starters when his FC Barcelona team takes on Villarreal today in La Liga, i.e., the midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who recently suffered an injury and is expected to remain on the sidelines for several weeks.

As a result, the German would have to come up with a changed lineup for this game, and one of the changes in his starting eleven could be the return of Pedri.

According to SPORT, the Canary Islander is expected to return to the starting lineup more than a month after his last start, forming a likely partnership with Marc Bernal against Villarreal.

Pedri had not started a match since January 21, when he was forced off after 61 minutes against Slavia Prague due to a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg. That setback ruled him out for over a month and left Barcelona without their main reference point in midfield.

The 23-year-old playmaker made his long-awaited return on February 22 in the 3-0 win over Levante at Camp Nou, coming on in the 65th minute to a standing ovation from the home crowd. His brief appearance was enough to underline just how much the team changes with him on the pitch.

With Pedri involved, Barcelona gain composure in buildup, greater precision in ball circulation, stronger counter pressing, and an added attacking presence. His calmness and understanding of the game help dictate the collective rhythm and allow his midfield partners to operate with greater freedom in advanced areas.

His absence in recent weeks was clearly felt, with Barcelona often struggling to control matches and impose structure during key phases. Flick’s side lacked a natural conductor, and the return of Pedri now offers a timely boost ahead of a crucial stretch of the season in both domestic and European competitions.

While Bernal appears the most likely partner, Marc Casado remains an alternative option and could yet play a role after seeing reduced minutes in recent games. Still, all signs point to Pedri reclaiming his place as the creative axis of the team.

Flick will be relieved to once again have his midfield metronome available from the start, with Barcelona confident that having Pedri back in the lineup can restore order, control, and fluency as they look to maintain momentum against Villarreal.