Tragedy strikes for Barcelona as star midfielder suffers ‘serious’ injury

 

Barcelona's LaLIga and Champions League hopes have taken a huge blow

Barcelona’s night of Champions League progress was overshadowed by worrying scenes involving Pedri in Prague.

What initially appeared to be a minor knock has now been described as a potentially serious setback for the Blaugrana midfielder.

Pedri injury worse than first feared after Prague collapse

According to Javi Miguel of Diario AS, Pedri’s injury sustained during Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Slavia Prague is more serious than first assessments suggested.

The midfielder endured a difficult evening, struggling to impose himself amid cold conditions and intense man-marking that disrupted his usual rhythm and control.

Concern peaked in the 58th minute when Pedri suddenly collapsed, clutching the back of his right thigh. He was substituted two minutes later, leaving the pitch limping heavily. Initial medical evaluations point towards a possible muscle tear, with further tests scheduled once the squad returns to Barcelona.

If those fears are confirmed, Pedri could be sidelined for between three and four weeks, a worrying timeframe given his recent history with similar muscular issues.

Barcelona will be anxiously hoping for positive news, especially with a crucial Champions League fixture against Copenhagen looming on January 28.

Flick’s options stretched as injuries and suspensions pile up

Pedri’s setback compounds an already difficult situation for head coach Hansi Flick, who is currently without key figures Gavi and Andreas Christensen.

Matters worsened further as Frenkie de Jong picked up a yellow card against Slavia Prague, ruling him out of Barcelona’s final Champions League league-phase match against Copenhagen due to suspension.

Despite those concerns, De Jong delivered an impressive performance in Prague as Barcelona claimed a dramatic 4-2 victory.

The match itself was a rollercoaster affair, with Slavia taking an early lead before Fermín López struck twice to swing momentum Barcelona’s way. The Czech side responded through a Robert Lewandowski own goal, leaving the score tied at 2-2 at halftime.

Barcelona eventually pulled clear in the second half, with Dani Olmo putting them ahead before Lewandowski made amends to seal the win. While the victory keeps Barcelona firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish, the potential loss of Pedri casts a shadow over an otherwise encouraging European night.