Barcelona starlet Pedri could reportedly be out until 2022 after suffering a relapse of his thigh problem.
The 18-year-old featured 52 times in all competitions for the Blaugrana last term before turning out for Spain at Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympic Games.
There were fears that Pedri's lack of rest over the summer would harm the youngster, and the midfielder has only made four appearances in all competitions this season due to a thigh injury.
According to Esport3, Pedri has suffered a relapse of the issue which has kept him out for most of the season and is highly unlikely to return for at least another month.
With Xavi sure to avoid taking any risks over Pedri's fitness, the teenager may therefore not be ready to return to first-team action until the New Year.
Pedri's most recent appearance for Barcelona came in the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Benfica on September 29, where he played 68 minutes before being taken off for Philippe Coutinho.