HomeBarcelona offer update on De Jong, Pedri injuries as Xavi fears 'long'...

Barcelona offer update on De Jong, Pedri injuries as Xavi fears ‘long’ absences

-

Barcelona have confirmed Frenkie de Jong has sprained the lateral ligament in his right ankle while Pedri has suffered a quadriceps injury, with Xavi fearing the duo could be set for “long” spells on the sidelines.

The midfield pair were both substituted during the first half of Barca’s goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga on Sunday.

De Jong was carried off on a stretcher after appearing to land awkwardly on his ankle, while Pedri was in tears when he limped off after pulling up following an attempted pass.

Read our other football news stories here:
Tierney dropped by PL after Forest vs Liverpool controversy
Bayern Munich: Tuchel to stay irrespective of Lazio result
UEFA reveal new format for European competition

Speaking to reporters after the game, Xavi said: “The injuries to Pedri and Frenkie do not look good. It is very unfortunate.

“They look like they will miss several games and could be out for a long time. Between today and tomorrow, we’ll know more.

“These are two very important players for us, and it seems like they will now be out for several matches, perhaps a long time. We have to hope it is less than we fear, but it is tremendous misfortune for us.”

On Monday, Barca offered an update on the condition of the duo, confirming De Jong had sustained a lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle, with Pedri injuring the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh.

The Blaugrana did not offer a timescale on either player’s recovery period, but reports suggest De Jong could miss at least a month of action, with Pedri potentially out for longer.

Pedri has endured a period of rotten luck with injuries, being limited to just 12 league appearances in 2021-22, 26 in 2022-23 and 16 this season, having played 37 times during his breakout campaign in 2020-21.

Barca are now seriously short in midfield, with Gavi out for the season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear while on international duty with Spain last November.

Former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has deputised in central midfield recently, and he may be required to do so during a crucial spell for the Blaugrana in the coming weeks.

Xavi’s team host Real Mallorca in their next league game on Friday, before taking on Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next Tuesday. They then go to Atletico Madrid in their final match before the international break on March 17.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.

LATEST POSTS

Ramsdale delighted to have secured Southampton switch

Aaron Ramsdale could not hide his delight after securing a deadline-day move to Southampton. Goalkeeper Ramsdale has signed a four-year contract at St Mary’s after Saints...

Ancelotti hungry for UCL success with Real Madrid to go with LaLiga triumph

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is eyeing the Champions League trophy to go alongside the club's LaLiga success. Los Blancos confirmed their record-breaking 36th title at...

De Zerbi hails Aston Villa as ‘one of the best teams in the Premier League’

Roberto De Zerbi says his Brighton side beat "one of the best teams in the Premier League" on Sunday. The Seagulls took all three points thanks...

Madueke backing Chelsea for Europe after West Ham thumping

Noni Madueke is backing Chelsea to finish as high as possible after the Blues thrashed West Ham 5-0 in the Premier League. First-half goals from Cole...

Most Popular