Xavi provides exciting Pedri update ahead of Barcelona's trip to Real Sociedad
- Pedri has missed most of 2023/24 season so far with ankle injury
- Xavi has positive news on potential return
- Barcelona face Real Sociedad on Saturday evening
By Sean Walsh
Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that Pedri has fully recovered from a hamstring problem and could make his return to action against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Pedri has spent the last couple of years battling various muscle injuries having been used to an overwhelming extent during his first seasons at Barcelona.
The 20-year-old has played just twice for Barca so far this season having sustained a hamstring issue following a 2-0 win at home to Cadiz back in August.
There had been hope that Pedri could have recovered in time to face bitter rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico last Saturday, but he was not named in their matchday squad.
But speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to Real Sociedad, Xavi had a far more positive update to give on Pedri's availability.
"We haven't delayed his return, we waited for him to be 100% ready and I see him as such. It's great news for the team," Xavi said at his pre-match press conference.
"It's a goal of everyone to be at their best physically. We work very hard in preventing injuries. To me he is a fundamental player, and hopefully he can now have some continuity to show his worth."
While Pedri could make his return at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, Barcelona have confirmed that Frenkie de Jong will not be part of the travelling squad. The Dutchman is currently nursing an ankle sprain and remains sidelined for the time being.
However, Robert Lewandowski is in line to start on Saturday evening having recently returned from an ankle injury of his own, coming off the bench for the latter stages of last week's 2-1 home loss at the hands of Real Madrid.
Barcelona are in dire need of a win having fallen four points behind table-topping Real Madrid in La Liga, with Catalan neighbours Girona also four points ahead of them.
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