According to reports, Barcelona wonderkid, Pedri could be out until 2022 after suffering a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem.
The young Spaniard featured in 52 games in all competitions for Barcelona last term. While then after that he featured for Spain at both the UEFA Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympic Games. Following which, Pedri had no real break in between the last season and this one.
There were major red flags that the 18-year-old would pick up a serious injury after the lack of rest. The fears of Barcelona fans has become a reality as Pedri has featured just 4 times this term for Barcelona. While, he has been ruled out for the majority of the games because of reoccurring muscles injuries.
Esport3 have reported that Pedri has suffered a further setback on his recovery from the injury. Pedri is now expected to be out until at least 2022. The youngsters last appearance for Barcelona was in the humiliating 3-0 Champions League defeat against Benfica. But he was rushed back into the starting line-up by Ronald Koeman.
With the managerial change at the club, Xavi is set to give Pedri time off for his recovery. Xavi will also make sure not to rush the young midfielder back into action early. Pedri very recently signed a new 5-year deal to keep him at the club until 2026. The new deal also includes a one billion euro release clause.
Time for Gavi to replace Pedri in the Barcelona starting line-up?
Gavi was always rated highly among the Barcelona ranks, while he was always expected to make it to the top. The 17-year-old midfielder has made his breakthrough into the Barcelona senior team and also the Spain national team this season.
Spain boss Luis Enrique surprisingly called Gavi to the Spain national team during the UEFA Nations League finals. The young midfielder showed a dominant display in the triumph over Italy in the Nations League semi-final. While, he again put on a solid display in the 2-1 Nations League final defeat against France.
Luis Enrique talking about Gavi said:
“He played like he was in the school playground or in the garden of his house, and it’s great to have a player of this quality and personality,”
With Pedri out until 2022, this could be the perfect opportunity for Gavi to cement his place in the Barcelona lineup. He has already shown his class and potential this season. Barcelona have a readymade replacement for Pedri in Gavi.
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