Barcelona hit by Pedri injury blow in Prague Champions League clash

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign has been dealt a significant setback with Pedri hobbling off injured during their European clash against Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena.

Immediate concern

The 23-year-old Spanish international was forced to exit the pitch in the 58th minute of Barça’s seventh Champions League fixture of the season. The Canary Islander immediately signaled to the bench after feeling discomfort in his right hamstring during an individual action.

Dani Olmo was thrust into action without proper warm-up time as Pedri’s immediate replacement. The scene was particularly worrying as the midfielder dropped to the ground clutching the back of his right leg before covering his face with his hands – a reaction that suggested he knew the injury could be significant.

Teammates and manager Hansi Flick looked on with visible concern as the talented playmaker limped off the pitch, clearly in discomfort.

Third time unlucky

This injury represents the third fitness setback for Pedri this season alone, continuing what’s been a proper nightmare run for the lad:

• Already missed five matches in November due to a muscle tear
• Sat out another match with calf problems earlier in the campaign
• Now faces another potential spell on the sidelines

The timing couldn’t be worse for Barcelona, with Pedri having established himself as an indispensable part of Flick’s midfield plans.

What’s next?

The club has confirmed that Pedri will undergo medical tests on Thursday back in Barcelona to determine the exact extent of the hamstring injury. Barça supporters will be keeping their mince pies on the medical reports, hoping their diamond midfielder hasn’t suffered anything too serious.

With Barcelona fighting on multiple fronts, losing a player of Pedri’s caliber for an extended period would be a significant blow to their trophy aspirations this season.