Key Takeaways:
- Pedri sustained a minor hamstring tear during Barcelona’s 2-0 triumph over Slavia Prague
- The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for four to five weeks and could miss 7-10 upcoming fixtures
- Barcelona will be without both Pedri and suspended Frenkie de Jong for the crucial Champions League tie against Copenhagen
Pedri’s Injury Setback and Absence Timeline
Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday night reinforced their ambitions for a top-eight place in the Champions League, but came at a considerable cost. Midfield talisman Pedri Gonzalez was forced off after sixty minutes and, following a medical evaluation in Barcelona, has been confirmed to have suffered a minor hamstring tear. Initial reports insisted the issue was not grave, yet it appeared likely to rule him out of action for four to five weeks.
This timeframe, outlined by @10JoseAlvarez on @elchiringuitotv and subsequently confirmed by the club, would see Pedri miss at least 7-10 games, depending on his recovery. The midfielder is now set to sit out a string of pivotal encounters across both domestic and European competitions.
INJURY UPDATE
Tests conducted this morning have confirmed that first team player Pedro González “Pedri” has a right hamstring injury, which he picked up during the game against Slavia Prague yesterday.
The recovery time is expected to be one month. pic.twitter.com/b5xGJdKjuw
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 22, 2026
European and Domestic Implications
The impact of Pedri’s injury could be felt most keenly in Barcelona’s Champions League and Copa del Rey campaigns. Should the recovery period extend closer to five weeks, Pedri is poised to miss not only the group stage conclusion against Copenhagen and subsequent knockout rounds but also the possible Champions League play-off first leg on either the 17th or 18th of February, as well as the return fixture on the 24th or 25th. Advancement to the Copa del Rey semi-final would similarly keep him out of the first leg, scheduled for either the 9th, 10th, or 11th of February. Contributing to Barcelona’s midfield woes, Frenkie de Jong is also unavailable for the clash with Copenhagen owing to suspension.
Recent Squad Performances and Player Updates
Pedri’s absence is not unprecedented this season. Earlier, a similar hamstring issue forced him out for a month, and knee discomfort ruled him out against Villarreal in the final fixture ahead of the winter break. In total, Pedri has already missed six games this season, with Barcelona maintaining a faultless La Liga record in his absence (four wins in four). However, the side experienced setbacks in Europe, drawing 3-3 with Club Brugge and suffering a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea while their influential midfielder was sidelined.
On a more positive note for the squad, Ronald Araújo produced a standout display against Slavia Prague, recovering possession on three occasions with his pace and athleticism proving decisive at crucial moments.
Outlook for Barcelona
With a demanding schedule ahead and key players unavailable, Barcelona’s depth and resolve are set to be thoroughly tested as they navigate critical fixtures on both domestic and continental fronts. The situation leaves the club hoping for Pedri’s swift and complete recovery to reinforce their ambitions as soon as possible.
