Barcelona fan-favourite midfielder absent from team training this week ahead of Valencia clash

Following the controversial 3-2 loss against Real Madrid last weekend, FC Barcelona return to action on Monday night when they take on Valencia on home turf.

The defeat to Real Madrid meant that Barça are now 11 points behind the leaders and the La Liga title race is done and dusted.

The Catalans will now aim to finish second in the standings so as to qualify for the Spanish Super Cup for the next season.

Preparations have been underway for the visit of Valencia, with the Barcelona players training hard over the week. However, there has been a notable absentee from the Catalans’ group sessions.

Pedri not in group training

Indeed, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona fan-favourite midfielder Pedri has not been training with the rest of the team throughout this week.

Given his injury history, Barça are exercising caution with the 21-year-old midfielder following his efforts over the past couple of weeks.

Pedri has not been in team training this week. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Having been out with an injury, Pedri pushed himself to be back to face PSG in the UEFA Champions League and then Real Madrid in La Liga and featured in both matches.

As such, in order to manage his workload, Barcelona have not had the 21-year-old train with the rest of the group this week.

Instead, the midfield gem has been working by himself in the gym at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva facilities.

Pedri will be available to face Valencia

While Pedri might not have trained with the rest of the squad this week, there are no doubts or concerns about his availability to face Valencia on Monday night.

As mentioned earlier, the only reason he has not trained with the team is to manage his workload and go through his recovery after the efforts of last week.

The Spanish international is expected to be ready to face Ruben Baraja’s men when they visit Estadi Lluis Companys on Monday night.