Pedri of FC Barcelona
Pedri of FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick took a measured decision of resting Pedri Gonzalez from the starting lineup in Barcelona’s game against Espanyol last night, citing that the schedule ahead is ruthless.
The Canary Islander, after all, will be crucial in the Spanish Super Cup coming up and the upcoming UEFA Champions League games which are all virtually must-wins to stand a chance of direct knockout qualification.
Pedri, thus, eventually came on only in the 64th minute and the manager saw it to be the right way of balancing his minutes and handing him time to ease back into the dynamics.
Unfortunately, however, he suffered a heavy blow when taken down in the Espanyol box in the 71st minute, and the medical staff were immediately called on to attend to what looked like a gruesome injury.
Flick started Pedri on the bench against Espanyol. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Much to Barcelona and Hansi Flick’s relief, Pedri soon got up and continued playing on the night and even dictating the play like he always does.
As relayed by Adria Albets in a recent update, Pedri does not seem to have suffered any injury or discomfort. He even walked past the journalists after the blow and did not have any limp to suggest a reason for concern.
While the prognosis of Pedri’s situation was undoubtedly positive given that he even continued for 20 minutes after the clash, having word come out that the player has no limp or discomfort comes as a massive relief.
So far this season, Pedri has been one of Barcelona’s best performers – one without whom the team simply does not look the same.
Needless to say, the Canary Islander will be vital against Athletic Club midweek in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup and in a potential final against one of the two Madrid-based giants at the weekend.
Pedro Fernandez Dro of Barcelona
Pedro Fernandez Dro of Barcelona