Flick faces Pedri blow after Barça's hard-fought win in Prague
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirms hamstring concerns for Pedri after Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, with qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Barcelona survived a proper Bobby Moore in freezing Prague but victory came at a cost with Pedri facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Prague proves a proper test
Hansi Flick’s men had to dig deep after falling behind twice to a physical Slavia Prague side who had clearly done their homework. The German gaffer acknowledged the difficult conditions and quality of the opposition:
“It wasn’t easy playing today. It was very cold, and Slavia played really well,” Flick admitted post-match.
The Czech side had weeks to prepare for this clash and it showed - their dynamic transitions and aerial threat causing Barcelona’s backline serious problems throughout the first half. Barcelona improved after the break, showing the character needed to turn things around.
Qualification still up in the air
Despite the comeback win, Barcelona’s path to the knockout stages - specifically a place among the top eight that would mean avoiding an extra playoff round - remains uncertain.
“It will be decided next Wednesday,” Flick explained. “First we needed to win today, and we need to do it again. Winning in the Champions League is very difficult, as we’ve seen today.”
The Catalan side didn’t make the best start to their European campaign, but still have a chance to secure that coveted top-eight finish that would grant them additional rest between fixtures.
Pedri blow dampens victory
The shine was taken off the win with what appears to be a significant hamstring injury to midfield maestro Pedri. When asked about the Spanish international’s condition, Flick couldn’t hide his concern:
“I don’t know exactly how many weeks he’ll be out. They’re not good news.”
The injury comes at a particularly bad time with Frenkie de Jong only just returning to action. The Dutch midfielder earned special praise from his manager, who described his performance as “incredible” and “fantastic” while highlighting his defensive contributions.
Silver linings
Despite Pedri’s setback, there were positives for Flick to take:
- Dani Olmo came off the bench to score a crucial goal
- Ronald Araujo made a successful return to action
- Fermín López continued his impressive development
Flick was particularly effusive about Fermín, expressing his delight that the youngster didn’t complete a move to Chelsea: “It’s important for Barcelona that he stayed, and also for him.”
Barcelona now face another crucial European fixture next week, where they’ll need to deliver again - this time without Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, though Lamine Yamal should be available.