Just in: Barcelona midfield superstar not training with group ahead of Villarreal clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona started preparations for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Villarreal with a training session at the Ciutat Esportiva this morning.

Having had the day off on Thursday, the players reconvened to training today, with an eye on the team’s final game before the mid-season break.

Pedri absent

However, in a concerning bit of development, key Barcelona midfielder Pedri did not train with the rest of the group, reports SPORT.

Indeed, the Spanish international is still feeling the after-effects of the efforts he has made since returning from injury, and as such, is following an individual training plan with the club not taking any risks.

Barcelona’s plan was for Pedri to rest this week after the match against Osasuna, but he had to come on for 15 minutes in Guadalajara to help resolve the game, which was still level when he stepped onto the pitch.

Pedri not in training today. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It was a short period, but a very necessary one, as it was during that time that Barcelona scored the two goals that secured the win.

Upon returning to training this morning, when the squad had been called in no later than 9.30 in the morning at the Ciutat Esportiva, Pedri arrived at the club facilities at 10.38 to continue with his specific individual plan, with the aim of being able to play in Villarreal.

There is no cause for alarm, but it will be the medical staff and the player’s own sensations that determine whether or not he will be available against the Yellow Submarine at La Ceramica on Sunday evening.

So far this season, Pedri has made 19 appearances in all competitions, producing two goals and six assists.

The midfield superstar was out for a month due to a muscle injury he picked up in October and has been playing relentlessly since returning. So, it makes sense for Barcelona to proceed with caution with the Spaniard.