Barcelona have been handed a fresh injury concern following their 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague, as star midfielder Pedri was forced off with a muscular issue. Despite the initial worry at the Fortuna Arena, the club’s medical department remains cautiously optimistic that the Spaniard has avoided a serious setback.
Muscular Setback in Prague
The incident occurred early in the second half with the game tied at 2-2. Pedri went to the ground clutching his leg, a sight that has become unfortunately familiar for the Blaugrana faithful. After a brief assessment by the medical team, the 23-year-old was substituted to prevent further damage.
While the midfielder appeared visibly distressed, initial reports from the dressing room suggest it is a muscle strain rather than a rupture. This distinction is crucial, as it could mean a recovery time of days rather than months.
La salida de Pedri del Eden Arena
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— Diario SPORT (@sport) January 21, 2026
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Coach Hansi Flick did not hide his frustration in the post-match press conference. Just as Barcelona were welcoming back several key names from the treatment room, this new absence threatens the squad’s consistency during a vital stretch of the season.
This marks Pedri’s sixth physical setback of the season, having already missed five previous stints due to calf problems and muscle strains. The club’s medical staff is now under pressure to analyze the recurring pattern of these injuries to ensure a long-term solution for the player’s fitness.
Recovery Timeline and Next Steps
Pedri is scheduled to undergo a series of comprehensive tests (including an MRI) in Barcelona over the next 48 hours.
- The Goal: To determine the exact grade of the strain.
- The Outlook: If the optimism holds, Pedri could return in time for the crucial upcoming league fixtures, but he remains a major doubt for next week’s final Champions League group game.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
