Barcelona make decision on Pedri's fitness ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been "virtually ruled out" of El Clasico after failing to recover in time from a hamstring injury.

The talented young midfielder has been out of action for the last two months, having suffered a hamstring injury after a win over Cadiz in gameweek two of the 2023/24 La Liga season.

Pedri scored in that 2-0 win, but then suffered the hamstring strain in training a few days after the game and has been out injured ever since. This is by no means the first time the Spain international has missed game time due to hamstring injuries, with this particular ailment being something that he has regularly suffered from during his short career.

To date, Pedri has missed a whopping 66 games at both club and international due to hamstring injuries over the last few years.

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Barcelona had been optimistic that Pedri would be fit for this weekend's huge Clasico with Real Madrid - Barca are currently just one point behind the table-toppers heading into the game - having expected the 20-year-old to be able to get some minutes under his belt during their midweek UEFA Champions League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Having not returned to training as expected on Monday however, SPORT are now reporting that Pedri has been "virtually ruled out" of El Clasico due to the club not being willing to risk playing him in a high intensity game after being out for so long.

Barcelona are now aiming to have their star midfielder back in the lineup for the game against Real Sociedad the following weekend.

While Pedri will not be back in time, Barca are still hopeful that Frenkie de Jong will be fit for the meeting with Real Madrid. The Netherlands international had a splint removed from his ankle last week and could be back in contention.

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