Barcelona’s hopes of challenging for the Spanish league title were dealt a severe setback on Sunday, as two of their key midfielders, Pedri and Frenkie De Jong, had to be substituted due to injuries in the first half of their game against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames stadium.
Pedri suffers muscle injury in his left leg
The 18-year-old Pedri, who has been one of the revelations of the season for Barcelona, appeared to pull a muscle in his left leg while chasing a loose ball in the 45th minute. He immediately signaled to the bench and was replaced by Lamine Yamal. Pedri looked to be in tears on the bench as he received medical attention.
Pedri has been a regular starter for Barcelona under coach Ronald Koeman, forming a dynamic partnership with Lionel Messi in the attack. He has scored three goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances in all competitions this season. He is also a member of the Spain national team and is expected to feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers later this month.
De Jong twists his ankle after a tackle
The 23-year-old De Jong, who has also been a vital player for Barcelona in the midfield, suffered an ankle injury in the 26th minute after a tackle by Athletic’s Unai Vencedor. He tried to continue playing but was clearly in pain and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. He was replaced by Fermín López.
De Jong has been one of the most consistent performers for Barcelona this season, playing in various positions and contributing with four goals and seven assists in 40 games in all competitions. He is also a key member of the Netherlands national team and is expected to play a major role in the upcoming European Championship.
Barcelona faces a tough schedule ahead
The injuries to Pedri and De Jong are a huge blow for Barcelona, who are already without several other players due to injuries or suspensions, such as Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Gerard Piqué, Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araújo, and Miralem Pjanić. The club has not given details about the extent of the injuries to Pedri and De Jong, but they are likely to miss several important games in the coming weeks.
Barcelona is currently second in the Spanish league, nine points behind leader Real Madrid, with a game in hand. The Catalan club has 12 games left to play in the league, including a crucial clash with Real Madrid on April 10. Barcelona also has to face Mallorca on Friday and Napoli on March 12 in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. The first leg in Italy ended 1-1.
Barcelona will need to cope without Pedri and De Jong, who have been instrumental in the team’s improved form in recent months. The club will have to rely on other players, such as Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, Ilaix Moriba, and Matheus Fernandes, to fill the gap in the midfield and hope that Pedri and De Jong can recover as soon as possible.
