Barcelona heavyweight a serious doubt for Sevilla clash due to calf strain | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will bring down the curtains on the first half of the 2025/26 season this weekend with an away La Liga game against Villarreal.

Sitting atop the La Liga standings, Hansi Flick & co. will hope to go into the mid-season break on a high by securing all three points against the Yellow Submarine, who are third in the table.

However, leading up to the game, the Blaugrana have been handed a fresh fitness concern with key midfielder Pedri.

Pedri a serious doubt

Indeed, according to AS, Pedri is a serious doubt for the game between Barcelona and Villarreal due to a calf muscle strain.

As confirmed earlier today, the 23-year-old Spanish international did not train with the group and worked by himself inside the facilities due to the overload in the soleus muscle of his left leg.

Pedri could miss Villarreal clash. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pedri will test himself on the pitch tomorrow. Depending on how he feels at the end of the session, he will either be included in the squad or left out.

As things stand, his availability is more than doubtful, especially given the caution with which Hansi Flick manages these types of situations, as he is not inclined to take risks.

In any case, it will not be until Saturday, after the training session, that the coach, together with the player and the medical staff, makes a decision.

If Pedri ultimately drops out of the squad, Frenkie de Jong would take his place in the starting XI, alongside Eric Garcia in the defensive pivot with Fermin Lopez in the attacking midfield role.

It also cannot be ruled out that Pedri is included in the squad but does not start the match, with his involvement being reserved only in case it is absolutely necessary.