Barcelona 17-year-old academy gem in line to return for Real Oviedo clash | OneFootball

Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’ was one of Hansi Flick’s bets during pre-season. The 17-year-old La Masia gem repaid the German coach’s trust by impressing on the Asian tour, which earned him a place in first-team dynamics.

Dro was included in the squad for Barcelona’s first three La Liga matches before the international break. However, he has not been a part of the squad since, while also not participating in training.

The absence was because of a foot injury the youngster picked up while playing for Barça Atletic on 7 September against Porreras.

With the discomfort not easing up, Dro did not train and was not called up to the first-team squad for games against Valencia, Newcastle United, and Getafe, as well as Barça Atlètic’s matches against Andratx and Castellon B.

Dro set to return vs Real Oviedo

Now, according to SPORT, Dro has finally recovered fully and is in line to return to the squad for Barcelona’s upcoming match against Real Oviedo.

The teenage attacking midfielder returned to first-team training on Tuesday and completed the session with the rest of the squad.

Alongside Balde, Dro received the traditional welcome tunnel of playful slaps from his teammates, a positive sign of his return.

As such, the academy gem now has a strong chance of being named in the squad for Thursday’s fixture against Oviedo.

Timely boost

Dro’s return would provide relief for Hansi Flick, who will be short of options in attacking midfield in the coming weeks.

The injuries to Fermin Lopez and Gavi, who are expected to be out for three weeks and between four to five months, respectively, open the door for Dro to make his official debut with the first team.

In addition, Dro can also operate on the left wing, an area where Barcelona are also short-handed due to the injury to Lamine Yamal, who remains unavailable.

This situation has forced Flick to shift Raphinha’s position and rely on Rashford, a move that has worked well. Even so, the versatility of the academy product gives Flick an additional resource in the final third.