Barcelona heavyweight set to start vs Atletico Madrid after returning against Alaves | OneFootball

FC Barcelona superstar Pedri made his return to action against Deportivo Alaves after a month out with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old midfielder was not ready to start a game and only featured as a substitute, coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute.

Pedri to start against Atletico Madrid

Having gotten some minutes under his belt on Saturday, Pedri is all set to start for Barcelona in the all-important game against Atletico Madrid next week, reports SPORT.

The fixture against Atletico is crucial in the fight for the La Liga title. Beyond competing with Real Madrid, the Rojiblancos sit three points behind Barcelona, so Hansi Flick’s side can make a statement and leave them six points adrift.

Given the importance of the match, Flick will bring Pedri back into the starting lineup to face Diego Simeone’s side at the new Spotify Camp Nou.

Ready to start vs Atletico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Flick always manages minutes according to the guidance provided by his staff. Against Alaves, they stipulated that Pedri could only play thirty minutes, and he complied, even though the midfielder was needed earlier than that.

On this occasion, the gradual progression suggests Pedri could play 45 minutes, but the team’s need may lead to him starting and playing between 60 and 70 minutes. It is unlikely he will play beyond that. After all, the player is too important to risk the slightest overexposure.

Raphinha’s return provides a template. The Brazilian played thirty minutes against Chelsea, after a token nine minutes against Athletic Club, and already managed 60 minutes on Saturday vs Alaves at a very good tempo.

Pedri is indispensable, and his month-long absence was felt by the team. Barcelona have managed their league matches, but in the two Champions League fixtures, they faltered without him.

An unsatisfactory draw against Club Brugge and the heavy defeat to Chelsea show that in high-profile matches, Pedri is a must on the pitch, provided his condition allows it.