Pedri and Rashford Return to Group Training Ahead of Levante Clash
Barcelona get a major boost as Pedri and Marcus Rashford both return to partial group training, with both players potentially available for Sunday's home game vs Levante.
Two big injury headaches at the Spotify Camp Nou look to be easing up — Pedri and Marcus Rashford have both returned to partial group training, giving Hansi Flick a proper lift ahead of a busy run-in.
What’s Happened?
Both players joined their teammates on the training pitch on Thursday, albeit in a limited capacity. The key word there is partial — neither has been given the full green light just yet, and the medical staff will be keeping a close eye on how their bodies respond to the increased workload over the coming days.
That said, it’s looking very likely that at least one — if not both — will make the squad for Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Levante at home.
Pedri’s Injury Timeline
The Canary Islander has had a proper nightmare of a season when it comes to fitness. This latest setback — a biceps femoris injury to his right leg — was his third injury of the campaign. He picked it up on 21 January during the Champions League match against Slavia Prague, coming off in the 58th minute looking well gutted.
The estimated recovery time was around four weeks, and that’s almost exactly how long it’s been.
Here’s the damage in terms of games missed:
- La Liga: Oviedo, Elche, Mallorca, Girona
- Copa del Rey: Albacete, Atlético de Madrid
- Champions League: Copenhagen
Seven games in total — Barça lost two of them. Before this injury, he’d also missed five matches with a muscle tear in November, plus one more with calf trouble. All told, Flick has been without him for 13 games this season. Blimey.
Rashford’s Situation
The Manchester United loanee had been out for around ten days, missing the defeats at the Metropolitano and at Montilivi (Girona). His return is arguably less dramatic in terms of timeline, but still welcome given Barça’s current injury woes and the fact they’re crying out for attacking options right now.
Flick had already hinted on Monday, after the Girona loss, that he expected both players back soon — and it looks like he’s been proved right.
Why It Matters
Pedri is the engine of this Barcelona midfield, full stop. He sets the tempo, he dictates the rhythm — when he’s not there, the whole team looks a bit lost in the middle of the park. His return, even if it’s gradual, is massive.
And with Barça needing to somehow overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit against Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final, they need every available body firing. That tie looks a mountain to climb, but you’d rather have Pedri in the side than not when attempting the impossible.
For now, all eyes are on Sunday and whether the pair can make the squad list against Levante.