Despite initial fears of a lengthy injury layoff for Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona may welcome back the duo sooner than expected.
According to Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, it was obviously not looking good for the two players against Athletic Bilbao but they may not tarry on the sidelines.
Speaking after the Catalans drew Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling LaLiga matchday 26 matchup, Xavi, who is set to exit the Barcelona dugout at the end of the season, said De Jong’s and Pedri’s injuries is a big blow to the team but the pair may return to action sooner than expected.
“The injuries to Pedri and de Jong are not looking good. We are sad about the two absences but it will be for a few games,” he said.
Xavi also added the double injury blow twisted the dynamics of the game and allowed the hosts get away with a point.
De Jong was carted off the field in the 26th minute. The Dutch had attempted a challenge on a high-ball only to sprawled down on the ground in an awkward position.
Wreathing agonizingly in the throes of pain, he was quickly attended to by Barcelona medics before being driven off on a cart.
Xavi brought in Fermin Lopez to replace the Dutch with the scores still tied at 0-0.
A few minutes before the regulation time, the Catalans suffered another critical injury blow. Pedri picked up an ankle injury and was in tears as he limped off the pitch to the bench.
Xavi seems downbeat on his assessment of the duo’s injury but is pretty optimistic they could return soon.
Barcelona are yet to confirm updates on the injury but the pair are more likely to miss Barcelona’s next LaLiga match against Mallorca, including Champions League round 16 reverse fixture against Napoli on March 12.
