Hansi Flick Confirms Major Barcelona Injury Boost Ahead of Alaves Match
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, announced that midfielder Pedri is set to return from injury for the upcoming match against Alavés. Pedri, known for his exceptional skills, has been sidelined since late October following a red card in a defeat to Real Madrid and a hamstring issue, missing five consecutive matches for Barcelona.
Injury Update on Pedri
Flick confirmed that Pedri will not start against Alavés but will get some minutes on the field. “He’ll get some playing time, but not from the start,” Flick mentioned. “We’ll see, he might play some minutes in the first half,” he added.
Barcelona’s Performance Without Pedri
- Barcelona has won all three La Liga matches in Pedri’s absence.
- In the Champions League, the team struggled, managing a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge.
- The recent 3-0 defeat to Chelsea increased pressure on Flick and the team.
Barcelona officials are cautious about rushing Pedri back. His return is particularly timely as the team prepares for important encounters against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid, critical for their title ambitions.
Managing Pressure and Expectations
The defeat against Chelsea disrupted Barcelona’s momentum, causing concerns among fans and analysts alike. Flick acknowledged the need for an immediate response, recognizing that the high defensive line requires collective efforts from the entire team.
Upcoming Challenges
In addition to Pedri’s return, the recoveries of Raphinha and Marcus Rashford are expected to positively impact the team’s performance. Flick expressed confidence in the players, stating, “The players are very focused and have a lot of quality.” He emphasized the importance of cohesion in pressing tactics to avoid defensive vulnerabilities.
With the upcoming match against Alavés, all eyes will be on Pedri as he looks to make a significant contribution to Barcelona’s efforts in the league.
