Pedri is often considered the heartbeat of Barcelona’s play. However, during the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on April 8, 2026, he was substituted at half-time due to discomfort in his thigh.
Barcelona suffered a 2-0 defeat in the match, which has raised concerns about Pedri’s fitness for the upcoming derby against Espanyol. Coach Hansi Flick confirmed that the substitution was precautionary, stating, “Pedri has some issues, nothing major, but we don’t want to take risks because we need him right now.”
Flick elaborated further, saying, “He had a few minor issues. Nothing serious, but we need him now, so we decided to take him off and bring on Gavi.” This decision came just before Barcelona was reduced to ten men due to Pau Cubarsi’s red card, complicating their efforts on the pitch.
As it stands, Pedri is likely to miss the next match against Espanyol, adding to the team’s challenges. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong, who has been sidelined for six weeks, is expected to return for the derby, providing a potential boost to the squad.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact severity of Pedri’s injury, with further medical tests anticipated to clarify whether it is a minor muscle strain or something more serious involving the hamstring. The second leg of the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid is scheduled for the following Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium, making Pedri’s situation even more critical for Barcelona’s campaign.
