Barcelona set for major injury boost ahead of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Barcelona Receive Timely Injury Boost Before Chelsea Champions League Test

Barcelona could receive a crucial lift in their UEFA Champions League campaign as key midfielder Pedri edges closer to full fitness ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Chelsea later this month.

Pedri Nearing Surprise Return

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have struggled with injuries in recent weeks, their frailties exposed in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Club Brugge that underlined the importance of their absent stars. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Raphinha, Pedri and Gavi have all been sidelined, leaving Flick with a makeshift line-up during a demanding run of fixtures.

Pedri’s absence in particular has been felt across midfield. The 22-year-old sustained a hamstring injury after his sending off in El Clasico, with initial fears ruling him out for at least six weeks. However, Diario AS report that his recovery is progressing faster than expected and that he could return soon after the international break.

Picture:IMAGO

That timeline puts him in contention to feature in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao, potentially serving as a warm-up before Barcelona’s crucial Champions League group-stage trip to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, 25 November.

Lamine Yamal Fitness Still Unclear

Flick is also monitoring the progress of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who underwent groin surgery earlier this month. The forward has missed Spain’s international fixtures and will be reassessed before Barcelona’s domestic return. His explosive pace and direct play have been sorely missed in recent weeks, leaving the Catalan giants short of creativity in wide areas.

The Barcelona manager has admitted that injuries have forced tactical adjustments, particularly in how his side presses and transitions through midfield. Having both Pedri and Yamal back in contention could restore much-needed balance and fluency in attack.

Tight Margins Between Barcelona and Chelsea

Both Barcelona and Chelsea enter their next Champions League meeting with matching records in Europe this season, each winning two, drawing one, and losing one of their first four matches. The parallels extend domestically too, with Barcelona sitting 11th in La Liga and Chelsea 12th in the Premier League, separated only by goals scored.

For Flick, regaining key personnel could be decisive in reigniting Barcelona’s rhythm in both competitions.

Catalan Confidence Building

The return of Pedri, coupled with optimism around Yamal’s recovery, has lifted spirits within the Barcelona camp. As one club source told Diario AS, “Pedri is training hard, he feels close, and the target is to have him ready for London.”

Should both players make it back in time, Barcelona will travel to London with renewed confidence as they look to take control of their Champions League group against a Chelsea side showing signs of improvement.