Barcelona midfield gem’s readiness to face PSG from the start under doubt

The fitness of Frenkie de Jong was the major talking point in Barcelona ahead of their first-leg quarterfinal encounter against PSG in midweek

This time around, the fitness of Pedri has been the talk of the town, with reports flooding in that he could be ready to start against the French champions on Tuesday.

Pedri has been out with recurring injury problems for a chunk of the season so far. But he made his return against PSG in midweek, featuring as a late substitute.

The Spaniard made a substitute appearance and played about half an hour in last night’s win over Cadiz as well, leading many to believe that he may start vs PSG.

Doubts over Pedri’s fitness

However, a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo has indicated that Barcelona are not entirely sure of Pedri’s fitness.

Pedri made his return vs PSG in midweek (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

His previous struggles with muscle injury indicate that the midfielder might not be ready to feature in 90 minutes of action against a demanding opposition such as Paris Saint-Germain.

Keeping that in mind, Pedri might not play the entire game and may only operate in the first phase of the match, provided he does start.

If not, Xavi might want to utilise his services in the second half of the game, where his ability to find passes into key areas could prove to be crucial.

Real Madrid game awaits

Despite the high stakes on Tuesday, Barcelona are not in a position to risk Pedri’s fitness, especially considering the issues he has had in the past.

Therefore, a more ideal target for Pedri would be to feature in the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21.

Pedri will have recovered fully by then and will be able to feature in the entirety of the ninety minutes. That is, however, not to say that the midfielder is not in a position to complete the upcoming game against PSG.