Barcelona’s coach Xavi expressed concern over the injuries sustained by key players Pedri and Frenkie de Jong during Sunday’s goalless draw against Athletic Club. De Jong was forced off the pitch in the first half due to an ankle problem, while Pedri was substituted just before halftime with a suspected thigh injury. Xavi’s somber tone in his post-match comments hinted at the severity of the injuries, suggesting that both players could be sidelined for several games,
including the crucial Champions League second leg against Napoli on March 12, dealing a significant blow to Barcelona’s prospects. The absence of Pedri and De Jong visibly impacted Barcelona’s performance at San Mames, with Xavi acknowledging that the injuries had a detrimental effect on the team’s cohesion. Despite a spirited second-half display, Barcelona failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving Xavi disappointed with the overall outcome.
Reflecting on the match, Xavi emphasized the need for improvement from every aspect of the team, including himself as the coach and the players. He stressed the importance of learning from the missed opportunity and refocusing ahead of their upcoming fixture against Real Mallorca. With a brief respite before their next encounter,
Barcelona faces a race against time to assess the extent of Pedri and De Jong’s injuries and regroup for the challenge posed by Mallorca. The visitors will arrive at Camp Nou buoyed by their recent victory over Girona, presenting another stern test for Barcelona as they strive to bounce back from their setback against Athletic Club and maintain momentum in their pursuit of success.
