UCL: Barcelona boss provides Pedri fitness update ahead of Chelsea clash
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Pedri is edging closer to a return, even as the midfielder remains out of full training.
Barça have handled his absence well, collecting three wins and a draw since he picked up the injury, but the club is keen to reintegrate him quickly.
The Catalans are hopeful Pedri could feature against Alaves this weekend, though the main target is Tuesday’s showdown with Atletico Madrid at the Montjuïc.
Pedri nearing return, says Flick
Flick confirmed he is gradually recovering key players, noting that Frenkie de Jong, Marcus Rashford, Raphinha, and Joan Garcia are now available. He stressed that Pedri’s comeback is close.
“You never know, but I’m happy to face Chelsea because it’s a good test. The team has improved a lot in recent weeks.
“Frenkie is back, Rashford too. Raphinha could get more playing time. Pedri might return at the end of the week. Joan Garcia is back as well. We’re training focused and hard. Now we’ll see how we do.”
Rashford benefiting from Barcelona move
Rashford returns to England for the second time since joining Barcelona on loan. Flick believes the forward is thriving under new conditions.
“I am happy to have him playing for Barcelona. I followed him his whole career… his quality in the box and in front of goal is impressive. He has shown that with us too.”
The coach added that the switch to Spain has been positive.
“For him the change and living in another country has been good. The people at Barcelona are fantastic… you can see he is smiling a lot.
“He enjoys the atmosphere we created. We’ll decide tomorrow whether he starts or comes off the bench, but I’m happy for him.”
Rashford pushing for a start
Rashford delivered his standout Barça performance against Newcastle, scoring twice to secure the win.
He missed the victory over Athletic Club due to flu, but with Raphinha not ready to start and Ferran Torres increasingly used centrally, Rashford has a strong chance of returning to the lineup.
