Pedri's Hamstring Blow: How Long Will Barcelona's Star Midfielder Be Sidelined?

Right when Barcelona seemed to have put their terrible injury misfortune behind them after a challenging season start, unfortunate news has surfaced again as Pedri has suffered his second major injury of the campaign.

As the crucial phase of the season rapidly approaches, Barcelona must manage a packed fixture list spanning three competitions without their midfield orchestrator.

It's impossible to overstate Pedri's importance to Hansi Flick's tactical framework. The 23-year-old is integral to Barcelona's playing philosophy; he controls the rhythm and serves as the team's playmaker in possession, provides undervalued defensive work in midfield, and acts as the tactical mastermind of the entire setup.

Put simply, Flick's Barcelona cannot achieve their maximum capability without Pedri in the lineup—a fact demonstrated during his previous absence this season. However, the current Spanish title holders must discover alternatives, as they'll be without their number 8 for an extended period.

When Will Pedri Return From Injury?

When Will Pedri Return From Injury?

Pedri appeared clearly distressed when he collapsed clutching his right hamstring sixty minutes into Barcelona's Champions League encounter against Slavia Prague. Subsequent medical assessments confirmed the midfielder faces approximately one month on the sidelines.

Hamstring problems have persistently troubled Pedri throughout his developing career. This campaign, he already sat out five matches due to a left hamstring strain sustained in the season's first El Clásico, and was also unavailable for Barcelona's final 2025 fixture because of similar muscular fatigue.

The rehabilitation period outlined by Barcelona suggests Pedri might return to action near the conclusion of February. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be unexpected if Flick and his medical team exercise extreme caution with Pedri's comeback, considering his fitness is essential for the season's critical stages.

Which Barcelona Games Will Pedri Miss?

Which Barcelona Games Will Pedri Miss?

Should Pedri truly be absent for just one month, his return could occur during Barcelona's home La Liga fixture against Levante on Feb. 22. However, if the Catalans opt for extra precaution, Pedri's comeback might be postponed until March 1 when they face Villarreal.

It's virtually certain that Pedri will be unavailable for at least six fixtures, with that number potentially reaching nine based on Barcelona's upcoming results. Pedri has already missed Barça's 3–0 victory over Real Oviedo and will remain absent when Barcelona welcome FC Copenhagen on Jan. 28, requiring a substantial victory to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League group stage. Should Barcelona fall short, he would also miss the opening leg of the knockout phase playoffs.

In the most optimistic scenario, Pedri will be absent for three additional La Liga encounters after Sunday's match against Real Oviedo. Fortunately for Barcelona, they face a manageable run of league games, including an away trip to Elche on Jan. 31, a home meeting with Mallorca on Feb. 7, and a brief journey to face Girona on Feb. 15.

Pedri will also be unavailable for the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Madrid conquerors Albacete on Feb. 3. Should Barcelona progress to the semifinal, the midfielder is likely to miss the opening leg of that tie.

The Barcelona Games Pedri Could Miss

The Barcelona Games Pedri Could Miss

*Dependent on Barcelona's upcoming results