Barcelona superstar a doubt for season opener vs Valencia after latest injury – report

Pedri Gonzalez’s injury blow in Spain’s win over Germany has set off alarm bells in Catalonia, especially with Hansi Flick’s first pre-season just around the corner.

The German tactician will oversee his first training session with Barcelona in the coming week. While players on international duty were set to join the camp late anyhow, Pedri’s injury leaves the midfielder in doubt for the entire pre-season tour.

Earlier this week, Spain confirmed that the Spanish midfielder had suffered a grade 2 internal lateral sprain in his left knee and placed his recovery period at around six weeks. With the new season set to begin in mid-August, there is concern over Pedri’s availability for it.

Likely to miss the season opener

Barcelona are set to lock horns with Valencia in their season opener for the 2024-25 season of La Liga. The game, as it stands, is set to kick off late on August 18.

Pedri picked up another injury against Germany during the Euro quarter-final. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Exactly six weeks remain before the Blaugranas’ clash at Mestalla, and SPORT reveals that Pedri has it very difficult to recover in time for the first game of the season.

Needless to say, this is a significant blow for Flick as he will be without the team’s influential midfielder not only for pre-season but also the opening phase of the new campaign.

Need for change

Pedri has struggled to remain fit after his first season at Barcelona and has proven to be extremely susceptible to physical setbacks.

The recent blow comes as the latest on the youngster’s list of injuries and will be crushing, considering he was just returning to his best form.

As Flick prepares for life at Barcelona, the manager must first look to up the ante in terms of physical preparation, especially for Pedri. Given Flick’s experience at Bayern Munich, there is optimism that the coach can find the right formula.