Barcelona continue to feel the absence of Pedri, whose influence in midfield has been impossible to replicate.
The team’s performances have highlighted just how vital the midfielder is to Hansi Flick’s tactical setup, yet despite the growing need for creativity and control, the club has no intention of rushing him back into action.
Given his concerning record with injuries, Barcelona’s medical staff are prioritising patience and stability over short-term fixes.
The news of Pedri’s latest setback surfaced shortly after Barcelona’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid, and since then, the midfielder has missed three matches across all competitions.
While the club has remained tight-lipped about a specific recovery timeline, many have been eyeing the Athletic Bilbao clash on November 22, which falls right after the international break, as a potential comeback date.
That is still not certain
However, as reported by MARCA, that target is far from confirmed. The club insists that Pedri’s return will depend entirely on how he responds to the next few training sessions.
Pedri, Barcelona player
Barcelona will not rush into Pedri’s return. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Within the club, the approach will be consistent and cautious, as the midfielder himself is said to be feeling positive, though both the coaching and medical teams have made it clear that there will be no shortcuts this time.
Before suffering the setback, Pedri had been a near ever-present, starting all 13 matches Barcelona had played up to the meeting against Real Madrid.
More trouble for Barcelona
However, during the recent trip to Vigo, Marc Casado experienced some discomfort in the warm-up, prompting Dani Olmo to be handed a start instead.
Even with Frenkie de Jong’s suspension following his red card against Celta, the club’s stance remains unchanged.
Flick will not allow Pedri to return prematurely. He will only feature against Athletic Bilbao if he is declared fully fit.