Barcelona maestro expected to get medical clearance just ahead of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

According to a new report from SPORT, it has come to light that Barcelona midfielder Pedri is likely to return to action against Chelsea. 

With the Blaugrana preparing for a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter against Chelsea next week, every small step in the midfielder’s recovery is being monitored with enormous attention.

Pedri has been missing since that bruising El Clasico at the end of October. Since then, he has sat out three matches and is expected to be absent for a few more. 

Barcelona’s medical staff, however, are said to be encouraged by the way he is responding to treatment and the progress he is making.

Barcelona want no risks

Pedri has a troubled history with injuries in the past, which has made the club extremely cautious. 

The club remembers how Raphinha was rushed back, only for the winger to suffer a relapse shortly after. Nobody at the club wants that scenario repeated.

Pedri could return against Chelsea. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With that in mind, the report explains that Pedri is already showing promising signs, although Barça do not expect him to feature in the upcoming match against Athletic Club. 

However, there is a growing belief that he could make the squad list for the trip to face Chelsea. 

The club feels he is progressing at the correct pace, and the match itself carries huge importance in shaping the Champions League group standings.

Will not start though

According to the outlet, the internal feeling is that he may even receive medical clearance shortly before the team travels to London. 

The plan, if everything goes smoothly, is for him to join the group and experience the match from the bench, with no expectation of starting. 

The report adds that if the coaching staff decide to take an even more conservative approach, Pedri’s full competitive return could instead come on the 29th of this month against Alaves, which would allow him to be fully fit for the heavyweight clash with Atletico Madrid on December 2.