Barcelona refuse to rush fan-favourite midfielder back despite Pedri’s injury | OneFootball

With Pedri ruled out for around a month, Barcelona and Hansi Flick have been dealt a significant blow in midfield, as losing him means losing control, rhythm and creativity, all in one player. 

Naturally, the spotlight has quickly shifted to potential replacements, but Barcelona are clear that Gavi will not be rushed back to fill the gap.

According to a report from SPORT, the club have no intention of accelerating Gavi’s return despite the urgent need for midfield reinforcement. 

Pedri is expected to be sidelined for roughly the same amount of time that Gavi still needs to complete the final phase of his recovery.

Gavi’s return on track

Right now, Gavi’s progress remains positive. He is walking comfortably, responding well to treatment, and all recovery deadlines are being met. 

However, Barcelona’s medical staff are determined not to alter the established plan under any circumstances. 

The next steps would be to work alone on the pitch, then reintegration with teammates in partial sessions, and finally a full return to group training. 

Barcelona will not force Gavi into an early return. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

This process will take several more weeks and will not be shortened simply to compensate for Pedri’s absence.

As such, it will be in February when the club will be able to accurately assess whether he is ready to receive medical clearance and return to competitive action. 

Until that moment arrives, Gavi will continue his recovery with the same discipline and patience that have defined his rehabilitation so far.

Barcelona have options

In the meantime, Flick is not without options. While Frenkie de Jong will also miss the Copenhagen match through suspension, alternatives remain plenty. 

Eric Garcia, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado and youngster Tommy Marques can all operate as pivots. 

Further forward, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo offer attacking alternatives.

Pedri and Gavi may be absent now, but Barcelona’s priority is to protect the long term and not gamble with the present.