Yesterday, Barcelona only drew at Athletic, which apparently definitely lost the chance to join the fight for the title, in addition, they lost Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. Due to health problems, the aforementioned pair alternated before the break and according to the Spanish media, they will both be out of action for several weeks.
The big Catalan club traveled to Bilbao knowing that if they still wanted to realistically think about defending the title, they needed to win, but they only took away a point for a goalless draw.
Even worse news for Barcelona are the injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. The former retired after less than half an hour with a sprained ankle, while his midfield team-mate was betrayed by a hamstring before heading to the cabins for a change.
“We’ll see tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good,” Xavi said after Sunday’s game. “I can imagine they will miss a few games. We are sad about that,” added the former midfielder.
Frenkie de Jong has a lateral ligament sprain in his right ankle.
Pedri has a right quadriceps injury.Both players are out and their recovery will determine their availability. pic.twitter.com/9QTXVCw9EN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2024
De Jong was injured in the fall from the fight with Unai Gómez, while he has problems with the same ankle that ruled him out for two months already in the fall. A more serious injury to the Dutch midfielder was also indicated by the fact that he was unable to leave on his own. Even before the break, Pedri left the field in tears, for whom this is even the third muscle problem of the year.
The Blaugrana have not confirmed the length of the absence after detailed investigations, but both names are expected to be unavailable for next week’s Champions League round of 16 second leg with Napoli. Barcelona brought home a 1:1 draw from the Apennine Peninsula.
Barcelona have been repeatedly plagued by injuries this season, they have had to deal with 22 injuries so far, and 15 different players have been sidelined. Long-term absentees Gavi (torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee) and Alejandro Baldé (thigh muscle) will not play for the rest of the year.
2024-03-04 21:00:00
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