Hansi Flick Drops Bombshell: Pedri's Injury Nightmare Gets Even Worse
Barcelona's crucial Champions League triumph on Wednesday evening was overshadowed by Pedri sustaining yet another hamstring problem that coach Hansi Flick has confirmed will keep him out for several weeks.
While Barcelona sought to secure a decisive goal an hour into their match against Slavia Prague, Pedri went down clutching his right hamstring in visible discomfort. The talented midfielder carefully walked off the field under his own steam as Barcelona ultimately managed to secure a 4–2 victory.
Though the result was positive, focus immediately shifted to Pedri's condition after the final whistle. Flick, who showed clear concern when Pedri had to leave the field, provided an update on the player's situation that will undoubtedly worry supporters in Catalonia.
"These things happen. I can't say exactly how long [Pedri's recovery] will take right now," Flick commented post-match. "We need to wait until tomorrow to learn more, but it's certainly not positive news."
Flick continued by commending Dani Olmo—who netted the match-winning strike after coming on for Pedri—and his other substitutes for their vital contributions to Wednesday's success. However, concerns about Pedri's possible extended absence will certainly trouble the German manager.
Hamstring problems have plagued Pedri throughout his professional journey. This season alone, he's already been absent for seven matches for both Barcelona and Spain due to a comparable injury sustained in late October that kept him out for more than a month. He also sat out Barça's last fixture of 2025 with muscular fatigue.
The 23-year-old will almost certainly be unavailable for Barcelona's concluding Champions League group stage encounter on Jan. 28. Adding to the concerns, his midfield companion will also be absent for the crucial showdown against Copenhagen.
Frenkie de Jong Suspended For League Phase Finale
Frenkie de Jong Suspended For League Phase Finale
Beyond Pedri's probable stint in the medical room, Frenkie de Jong will also be unavailable for Barcelona's group stage conclusion after receiving a yellow card late in the Slavia Prague encounter, resulting in a one-game ban due to card accumulation.
The Dutch international was outstanding during the second period of Wednesday's win, but an avoidable foul will force Barcelona to face Club Brugge—requiring a convincing victory to secure a top-eight finish—without Flick's favored central midfield duo.
The German tactician will need to deploy an improvised midfield partnership, with Eric García and Marc Bernal emerging as the most probable combination. Marc Casadó represents another starting option, along with Dani Olmo, who could play in a deeper role with Fermín López operating as the attacking midfielder.
Whatever approach Flick chooses to replace his regular midfield starters, De Jong has created an avoidable complication that compounds the already significant concern of Pedri's injury setback.