Barcelona endured a disappointing evening on Sunday, failing to extend their winning streak against Athletic Club, resulting in a goalless draw at San Mamés. However, the match’s outcome was overshadowed by two significant injury setbacks for the Catalan giants.
Frenkie de Jong suffered a concerning ankle injury during the first half, while Pedri was forced off the pitch with a hamstring complaint shortly after.
Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernandez, expressed his dismay over the injuries, acknowledging their importance to the team and hinting at their severity.
Xavi’s comments to the media, reported by Diario AS, painted a bleak picture regarding the prognosis for both players. He indicated that the injuries didn’t appear promising, and further assessments in the coming days would provide clarity.
The absence of de Jong and Pedri is expected to be prolonged, dealing a significant blow to Barcelona’s lineup.
The repercussions of these injuries extend beyond domestic competitions, with Barcelona facing the prospect of missing both players for the crucial Champions League tie against Napoli. This news comes as a severe setback to Barcelona’s aspirations in the competition, as de Jong and Pedri play pivotal roles in the team’s midfield.
Barcelona’s disappointing draw against Athletic Club was compounded by the distressing news of injuries to key players. As the club braces for a challenging period without de Jong and Pedri, their absence poses a significant obstacle to Barcelona’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
