Barcelona will return after the international break with plenty of good news as things stand, and more looks to be just around the corner. Midfield star Pedri was initially expected to be out until mid-December after injuring his hamstring during El Clasico at the end of last month, but could be back as soon as next week.
The Blaugrana will make a long-awaited return to Camp Nou on Saturday as they face Athletic Club, and already they are projecting positives on the injury front. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia is predicted to be fit to start, while Raphinha could be back on the bench after nearly two months out of action. Lamine Yamal is also expected to be fully fit after receiving further treatment on a sports hernia that has kept him out of Spain duty.
Pedri progress positive ahead of Chelsea clash
Although the feeling is that the Athletic clash will come too soon for Pedri, Sport say there is optimisim that he could be included in the squad to face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge. Barcelona will avoid risks with Pedri though, having missed Raphinha for several weeks extra due to relapse of a similar injury.
The expectation is that Pedri is back in group training this week, and if he does feature against Chelsea, then he will likely play against Alaves the following weekend. The objective is for Pedri to be back and fully fit for their clash against Atletico Madrid on the 2nd of December.
Barça expect more from Balde and Koundé. The two starting full-backs are performing below expectations after their great last season. @ffpolo
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 17, 2025
Hansi Flick’s midfield conundrum
The clash against Atletico is set up to be a blockbuster given Los Colchoneros will be looking to claw their way back into the title race. Hansi Flick will no doubt be using Frenkie de Jong in his preferred midfield, but then will have a choice between Marc Casado, a recovering Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Olmo. The latter has been Flick’s preferred choice, but this season has been in mixed form, and between injuries.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F10%2Fendrick-2-68f7c4255f70f708483902.jpg?w=120&resize=120,86&ssl=1 "Endrick’s loan destination ‘revealed’ as attacker prepares")
