Xavi handed major Pedri injury boost ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has handed manager Xavi a major boost after returning to training on Monday, having missed the club’s last six games in all competitions with a muscle injury.

The 20-year-old had to come off before half-time in the first leg of the Europa League play-off against Manchester United at Camp Nou last month and hasn’t featured since.

But Pedri was able to take some part in Barca training at the start of this week, the day after the team secured a narrow win over Athletic Club in La Liga. The hope is now that the 2021 Golden Boy winner will be fit enough to play at least some part against Real Madrid on Sunday.

READ NEXT

The Clasico at Camp Nou could have huge implications in this season’s title race. Barca, having won the last two Clasicos played in the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana in the last two months, could extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 12 points.

However, a defeat – as was the case in the reverse league fixture at the Bernabeu back in October, would reduce their cushion to just six points instead. A draw would leave things as they are at nine.

Having trained on Monday less than 24 hours after a game, it has been reported that Barca players will be given two days off during the week. Real, meanwhile, are in action before the Clasico, tasked with facing Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.