What’s going on with Pedri, how long has it been since he played, when was his last game for Barcelona and how did he get to the Clásico with Real Madrid?
Pedri, the Spain international, has endured a long spell on the sidelines, and his availability for the Clásico against Real Madrid is far from certain. The Barcelona midfielder had hoped to return after the October international break, but he missed both Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Those two matches offered chances to rebuild tempo, yet Pedri remained an observer from the dugout as Barcelona looked to fine-tune their rhythm before welcoming Real Madrid to Montjuïc.
In late August, just days before a crucial La Liga clash with Villarreal at La Cerámica, Pedri left training due to an injury. Barcelona confirmed through their medical update that he was sidelined by a problem with the rectus femoris in his right thigh. That same muscle had caused him trouble in the previous season, when a similar issue kept him out for five weeks. This latest setback follows a pattern of fragile form that has kept the young talent from hitting peak minutes at a pivotal stage of the season.
Recovery is ongoing, and the Canary Islander is weighing his return with care. He knows all too well what it is like to miss a match of significance right when the stakes are high, and he is not rushing back at the cost of long-term health. His absence has left Barcelona without a reliable rhythm in midfield, complicating preparations for a match that many consider a watershed for the season’s trajectory. While some outlets have floated the idea that Pedri could be fit for the Clásico, others stress a more cautious approach that prioritizes his long-term fitness. Coach Xavi has spoken about relying on how the player feels, emphasizing that a relapse would be a mental misstep as much as a physical one. The decision will hinge on subjective sensations as much as objective testing.
Pedri has yet to rejoin full training with the first team and has missed Barcelona’s first three Champions League fixtures this campaign. He has clocked only two appearances in La Liga across ten rounds, totaling a mere 169 minutes this season. His last appearance came against Cádiz, where he found the net in a 2-0 victory. That goal aside, his time on the pitch has been limited, underscoring how critical his fitness is to Barcelona’s attacking plans.
Reflecting on the previous season, Pedri dealt with a lengthy layoff that cost him a portion of league games. Across all competitions in 2022-2023, the midfielder made 35 appearances, contributing seven goals and one assist. The current period of recuperation tests the club’s options in midfield and keeps fans hopeful that Pedri will soon reclaim his intensity and influence on the field.
As the Clásico nears, the situation remains fluid. Pedri’s path back to competition will be guided by his body’s signals and the coaches’ assessment of risk versus reward. The outcome will shape Barcelona’s approach in one of football’s fiercest fixtures, where every decision on the pitch carries weight beyond a single match. Until a clear return is announced, the team will continue preparing with and without him, mindful that rehabilitation is a careful balance between progress and protection.
In the wider picture, Pedri’s fitness continues to be a focal point for Barcelona’s campaign. The midfielder’s absence has highlighted how much the side relies on his creativity and movement in the attacking third, and his potential return promises a boost in tempo and danger in forward areas. The club remains hopeful that Pedri will regain sharpness soon, aligning with the tactical aims of a squad chasing consistent results in La Liga and deep into European competition. The narrative around his comeback is shaped by medical updates, coaching strategy, and the intangible sense of how a player reacts to pressure and the big stage.
(Goal)