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Barcelona have had poor luck with injuries this season, like a lot of other top teams including Real Madrid. The timing of these injuries, especially, has been cruel, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong being sidelined just before the second leg vs Napoli.
Things only get tougher from hereon, especially with Atletico Madrid on the weekend, and games against Real Madrid, Girona, and Real Sociedad still on the horizon.
With these in mind, Barcelona are aiming to have four key players back from injury ahead for at least, the PSG clash – as per SPORT -, because Champions League is somehow more realistic than La Liga right now.
Torres could be back in a week
Ferran Torres picked up an injury against Osasuna over a month ago, and was initially ruled out for a month, at the least. Reports had claimed that he could be recovered for the Napoli first leg, but he did not even make it in time for the second.
However, he is expected to join team training soon, and could be back in time in another week to ten days, presumably immediately after the international break, but an Atletico Madrid return is not ruled out, either.
De Jong could be next post-Torres
Torres’ return is important. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)De Jong, on the other hand, rolled his ankle against Athletic Club early in March while contesting an aerial duel. His injury was deemed serious enough to rule him out for a month, approximately.
With the PSG first-clash set to kick off on 10th April, de Jong’s schedule returned could clash with the game. He might have to rushed on, though, but no better occasion than a Champions League knockout.
Pedri’s immediate future in the balance
Pedri filled in the Frenkie de Jong role for Barcelona against Athletic until he, himself, pulled his hamstring muscle just before the first-half ended and he was brought off in tears.
There was contrasting reports on his return from the very beginning, with initial reports claiming him and de Jong would also share a return.
At the same time, it was claimed that he could be out for the season, depending on the recovery of his injury.
Barcelona are hoping to have him back against PSG, but with how his previous injuries have gone, even a second-leg return would be more than what fans can hope for.
Alonso not needed but appreciated
Marcos Alonso’s injury concerns have been far more severe, with the Spaniard having played his last game against on 28th November, last year. He went under the knife for his back worries, and could be out for the rest of the season.
While he is not particularly important for the PSG clash, given Joao Cancelo’s form right now in that position. With Alejandro Balde injured, though, a single muscle pull could crumble the defensive strategy.
Therefore, Alonso’s return might be helpful for Barcelona, especially if worst comes worst.