€140m Barcelona midfield star takes a step forward in his recovery | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continue to pursue their objectives this season across all competitions, but injuries have tested the squad at various points. The impact of each injury, however, depends on the importance of the player affected, and few are as crucial to Hansi Flick’s team as Pedri.

The 23-year-old midfielder is a key component of Barça’s style of play, and his presence in the squad is vital for the club’s ambitions.

Pedri is currently recovering from a muscle injury to the biceps femoris of his right leg, sustained on January 21 during the Champions League match in Prague. At the time, the medical team estimated a recovery period of around one month. Now, nearly two weeks into that process, the €140 million-rated midfielder has reached an encouraging milestone.

According to SPORT, Pedri has returned to training on the grass at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí and is already performing continuous running exercises under the supervision of the club’s staff. While he is still working separately from his teammates, the progress indicates that he is on track to complete his rehabilitation successfully.

Barcelona’s favorable schedule also provides some breathing room for Pedri’s return. With direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16 secured, the team will not face European competition until March.

Upcoming matches include Copa del Rey fixtures against Albacete and Mallorca, and if they progress, a potential semifinal first leg on February 11. These games may still come too soon for Pedri, but the subsequent La Liga matches against Girona on February 16 and Levante on February 21–22 appear more realistic targets for his return.

The news is particularly reassuring for Barcelona, as Pedri’s skill set is unique in the squad. Other midfielders, such as Bernal and Casado, serve more as defensive midfielders, while Olmo and Fermin have a more attacking profile. Pedri’s creativity, vision, and ability to control the tempo in the interior midfield position are irreplaceable.

With his recovery progressing smoothly, Barcelona fans can be optimistic that Pedri will soon be back on the field, ready to contribute at full strength during a decisive phase of the season.