Barcelona need to win against Valencia if they want to keep their La Liga title hopes alive, but they have been dealt a major blow hours before they start with news that they are expected to be without one of their key players.
In recent months, Pedri has been one of Barcelona's standout performers, and there are plenty of signs that he is returning to the form he showed prior to his injury problems that started in 2021. He has even looked to overcome this, and in fact, he has featured in every competitive match that Hansi Flick's side have played this season – so far.
As reported by MD, it is almost certain that Pedri will not be available for selection when Barcelona take on Valencia at the Estadi Olimpic on Sunday evening. The 22-year-old midfielder has suffered from vomiting and diarrhea in the past 24 hours and barring a dramatic change in his health in the run-in, he will not be considered by Flick.
Pedri was expected to start against Valencia, despite hints from Hansi Flick in his pre-match press conference that the Spaniard could be someone rested. While it means he can get a well-deserved rest after a brutal run of games to start 2025, it is devastating news for Barcelona's chances of victory against Los Che.
However, it presents an opportunity for someone like Frenkie de Jong to earn a rare start. He is now almost certain to be selected by Flick, and he could line up alongside Marc Casado, who has been an ever-present in the center of midfield this season. Likewise, it could mean Gavi is used in a deeper role to accommodate the inclusion of Fermin Lopez or Pablo Torre, with Dani Olmo also unavailable against Valencia due to injury.
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