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Barcelona boss Xavi provides Pedri injury update

Barcelona boss Xavi provides Pedri injury update
© Reuters
Barcelona head coach Xavi provides a positive update on Pedri's hamstring injury amid fears that the midfielder could require an operation.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has said that the hamstring injury that Pedri suffered during last weekend's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao is 'not as serious as initially feared'.

The Spain international was forced off in the latter stages of the first half against Athletic with another hamstring issue, and it had been claimed that he would require an operation.

Surgery would end Pedri's season and also rule him out of this summer's European Championship.

However, speaking ahead of Friday's La Liga clash with Mallorca, Xavi provided a positive update on the 21-year-old, who has struggled with a number of injuries during his time at Camp Nou.

"What we are trying to do is injury prevention, I think we have done an impeccable job, especially Pedri. I have already told him that this is the last injury. It's not as serious as we thought," the Barcelona head coach told reporters during his press conference on Thursday.

Pedri celebrates scoring for Barcelona on October 9, 2022© Reuters

"I'm sure he'll come back and be important. He's not the first player to be injured.

"This is not the first one that happens to him that at the beginning of his career, he has a lot of injuries and then he doesn't get injured anymore.

"It's not easy to manage the pressure at his young age, I think there's an issue that he has to convince himself that he will recover and be fine."

Xavi also addressed the visit of Spain national team director Albert Luque to meet Pedri, with La Roja said to be fearful that the midfielder will be unavailable for Euro 2024.

Barcelona head coach Xavi on January 21, 2024© Reuters

"The important thing for Pedri is that he is well. It's not about coming back on the day of the Clasico, nor about recovering for the European Championship," added the Barcelona manager.

"He doesn't have to think about anything other than recovering 100%. With Albert Luque we are in constant contact, I have a good relationship. He's from Terrassa just like me."

A recent report claimed that Barcelona are becoming increasingly concerned by Pedri's injury problems and could be open to selling him during this summer's transfer window.

The midfielder has been restricted to just 24 appearances at club level this season, missing a chunk of action in the first half of the campaign due to a hamstring problem.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Barcelona midfielder Pedri on November 24, 2023
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