Pedri is set to hand Barcelona a major boost ahead of their Champions League tie against Chelsea.
Hansi Flick’s side take on Enzo Maresca’s men at Stamford Bridge after the international break.
Chelsea need a win after drawing with Qarabag last time out. Jorrel Hato struggled particularly that day, but the team as a whole disappointed.
Picking up a victory against Barcelona will not be easy, though, especially with Pedri set to return for the Spanish club.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri on the ball
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Pedri set to miss Barcelona’s next match before being unleashed against Chelsea
Pedri was absent for Barcelona’s last Champions League game against Club Brugge because of a muscle injury.
The midfielder was also unavailable for their 4-2 win over Celta Vigo just before the international break.
However, according to journalist Xavi Campos, Pedri is set to make a return against Chelsea on 25 November.
Barcelona’s plan is for the 22-year-old to miss their upcoming fixture with Athletic Bilbao before unleashing him at Stamford Bridge.
After past injuries, the La Liga outfit will want to manage Pedri very carefully. If he is fit enough to face Chelsea, there could be a really interesting midfield battle in west London.
The Blues, of course, also have a very strong engine room, consisting of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Another midfielder at Chelsea, Andrey Santos, recently praised Caicedo and Fernandez, stating that they are now two of the best players in their position in the Premier League.
Moises Caicedo celebrates with Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez after scoring against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
How Pedri can trouble Chelsea in Champions League tie
Pedri returning is bad news for Chelsea. The Spain international is a midfielder who gets Barcelona’s attackers on the ball, while he is also a player who is capable of carrying it.
As per FBref, Pedri is making 11.83 progressive passes and 3.40 progressive carries per 90 — truly impressive numbers.
If Maresca cannot find a way to deal with him, he is going to cause the Club World Cup winners a lot of problems on the night.