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.
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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.”
Chin up, we stand together. ???? pic.twitter.com/NEdWPpvlaZ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2024
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.
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➡ Frenkie de Jong has a lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle.
➡ Pedri has a right quadriceps injury.Both players are out and their recovery will determine their availability. pic.twitter.com/9QTXVCw9EN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2024