March 04, (THEWILL) – Barcelona’s hopes of UEFA Champions League glory have been dealt a severe blow after the Spanish giants confirmed midfield stars, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, suffered injuries during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao. The talented duo are now expected to miss next week’s crunch last-16 second leg tie against Napoli.
The 21-year-old Pedri sustained a right hamstring injury, his third such issue of the 2023/2024 campaign. Meanwhile, Dutch international, De Jong, sprained his right ankle in the stalemate at San Mames. Both players were forced off during the La Liga clash and could face over a month on the sidelines.
Their absence represents a huge setback for Xavi Hernandez’s side, who drew 1-1 in the first leg against the current Italian champions in Naples. The five-time European Cup winners host the decisive return fixture on March 12, with the tie finely balanced.
While De Jong has already spent time out this term with an ankle problem, the injury woes have been even more persistent for Pedri. As well as missing key Champions League and domestic clashes for Barca, the gifted Spaniard now looks likely to sit out his nation’s upcoming friendlies versus Colombia and Brazil.
“They are two very influential players in our game, two very important players. We will miss them,” bemoaned a concerned Xavi after his third-placed team squandered the chance to leapfrog Girona into second spot in La Liga.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
