Barcelona map out Pedri recovery plan ahead of Copa del Rey semi-final second leg | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have entered a delicate phase of the season after suffering back-to-back defeats against Atletico Madrid and Girona, a downturn in form that has exposed both physical and structural shortcomings within the squad.

While several factors contributed to those results, the absence of key players has been particularly telling. The lack of rhythm and control in midfield was evident, underlining how much the team has missed Pedri, not only for his technical quality but also for the balance and organisation he brings.

The return of Raphinha against Girona offered a partial boost, yet the void left by the Canarian midfielder remains significant.

Following the defeat at Montilivi, head coach Hansi Flick opted to give the squad two days off to mentally reset. Pedri, however, will continue training individually during this period as he remains fully focused on meeting his recovery targets.

The midfielder sustained his injury in Prague during the match against Slavia, where he was forced off around the hour mark. Subsequent medical tests confirmed a hamstring issue in his right leg, with an estimated recovery time of one month.

That timeline is now being respected, and those close to the player report a far more positive and composed mindset compared to previous injury setbacks.

According to SPORT, Barcelona have drawn up a clear and cautious roadmap to reintegrate Pedri at the right moment. The first major objective is for him to rejoin group training gradually, which could happen as early as this week. From there, the plan is to give him limited minutes in the upcoming league clash against Levante, where he could feature for around 15-20 minutes to begin rebuilding match sharpness.

That appearance would be followed by another full week without midweek fixtures, a crucial window for the midfielder to continue regaining fitness and confidence. The next step in the plan is the league match against Villarreal, where Pedri is expected to play one half if no setbacks occur.

All of this preparation is aimed at a single, clearly defined objective. Barcelona want Pedri back at full strength for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid. The match, which will decide a place in the final, has been marked in red inside the dressing room, especially with the team facing the daunting task of overturning a heavy first-leg deficit.

Beyond his tactical importance, Pedri’s return is also seen as a vital psychological lift for a squad in need of renewed belief. With the plan firmly in place and the final stretch of recovery underway, Barcelona are hopeful that their midfield leader will return at the perfect moment to reignite their season.