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Despite early optimism, reports suggest Barcelona no longer anticipate midfielder Frenkie de Jong returning from injury for Saturday's clash against Atlético Madrid.
De Jong picked up a hamstring injury in late February and has been absent for the past seven matches across all competitions, though there had been hope he could use the international break to recover sufficiently to at least come off the bench in Saturday's crucial encounter.
Sadly for both Barcelona and De Jong, that prospect now seems unlikely, with MARCA reporting that the 28-year-old is set to remain sidelined for a bit longer.
While sources emphasize that De Jong has not experienced a setback, he is not yet considered fit enough to rejoin team training. Given his lengthy history of injury problems, no one at the club is willing to take any unnecessary chances.
With Pedri, Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó all available, head coach Hansi Flick feels Barcelona can afford to give De Jong a few extra days of rest to ensure he comes back at full strength.
Injury Issues Mount During International Break
Central midfield remains well-covered at Barcelona, but greater concerns lie further up the pitch after key attacker Raphinha sustained an injury while on international duty with Brazil, an issue expected to sideline him for approximately five weeks.
Some supporters have questioned Raphinha's decision to play with his usual intensity in what was, with all due respect, an inconsequential friendly against France, but Barça teammate Pedri firmly dismissed those criticisms.
"It's a tough situation for him or anyone to get injured, especially when they play for my team," Pedri told the media.
"But I can tell you: You can't play at half intensity. You're three times more likely to get hurt. It's the worst thing you can do as a footballer. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game. If they're going to happen, they will."
In defense, left back Alejandro Balde and right back Jules Koundé remain unavailable, while there are also questions surrounding the fitness of 18-year-old Xavi Espart, who made four appearances throughout March as cover for Koundé.
Espart was forced off during a Spain Under-19 match, though according to SPORT, the substitution was made more as a precaution rather than due to any serious injury.
Saturday's fixture is a pivotal one for Barcelona. Flick's squad sit just four points ahead of Real Madrid at the summit of the table and will be eager to maintain that gap, though the Blaugrana cannot afford a repeat of the dismal 4–0 defeat to Atléti in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. Their 3–0 victory in the return fixture, however, will provide some encouragement.