Koundé, De Jong, Pedri, Lewandowski and Raphinha trained in the final session before the classification, while Sergi Roberto did not join the group, signaling his likely absence from the event. The five available players give Barcelona their best chance to present an eleven that resembles a traditional starting lineup, raising cautious optimism among fans and staff alike.
De Jong and Lewandowski have both dealt with ankle joint injuries, with recovery times stretching across five weeks for the Dutch midfielder and a little over three weeks for the Polish striker. Each player could return without risk of recurrence, provided the affected areas stay protected and pain relief is managed appropriately. Koundé’s issue also involves the knee, a development that has kept him sidelined for around twenty days as of the weekend, complicating the team’s selection options and rotation plans.
Pedri and Raphinha, like Sergi Roberto, are dealing with muscular concerns. Their injuries carry a higher risk of relapse, and any renewed setback would demand a longer rehabilitation period, potentially affecting the squad’s tactical flexibility and pressing ability. Managers must balance the urgency to restore key playmakers with the risk of aggravating underlying problems, especially when considering how the players contribute to ball movement and pressing intensity in every phase of play.
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Pedri stands out as the oldest among the currently sidelined players and the one whose return seems most imminent, yet there are lingering concerns. The silence surrounding his condition and the slow tempo of rehabilitation suggest the muscle issue in the rectus femoris of his right leg may be more serious than initially feared or could represent a hidden setback. The same muscle injury disrupted Pedri’s season last year, limiting him to just five matches between February and June, a pattern that makes every update to his status closely watched by the coaching staff and medical team.
When assessing Barca’s broader injury landscape, the club benefits from a core of versatile, technically proficient players who can adapt to a fluid formation. The depth of domestic and international experience among the squad allows for tactical experimentation without compromising defensive stability or attacking intent. However, the injuries at hand underscore the importance of measured returns, gradual integration into full training, and vigilant monitoring to prevent reoccurrence. The balance between maintaining competitive shape and protecting long-term player health remains a central consideration for the coaching staff as they prepare for upcoming fixtures and strategic matchups.