Barcelona starlet tipped to start against Alaves this Sunday

After starring in a 2-0 win over Cadiz on matchday two in La Liga this season, Barcelona gem Pedri was out of action for well over two months.

He had his first minutes back in action last week coming off the bench in the narrow 1-0 win over Real Sociedad and also made a cameo in the loss against Shakhtar on Tuesday.

However, it was clear that the youngster was shaking off major signs of rust and will need some time to return to complete sharpness.

As such, it was also reported earlier that the Canary Islander will not be included in the Spain squad for the upcoming international break.

First start in over 84 days

Due to the rest he is set to receive over the international break, RAC1 now report that all signs point towards Pedri being handed a start against Alaves this weekend.

Since that game against Cadiz on matchday two, where the 20-year-old notched a goal as well, Pedri’s name may finally appear on the starting teamsheet for the first time in almost three months.

In his absence, alongside Frenkie de Jong’s, the Blaugrana have visibly struggled to keep control of matches and generate their usual attacking threat, while dictating the tempo of the play.

Their press resistance has been problematic and seeing out results has been much tougher, with a lot more cagier battles against opponents the Catalans should be beating comfortably.

With Gavi suspended for this game, it is the perfect opportunity for Pedri to lace up and regain his match fitness, which should also be a huge boost for Barcelona.

Every game in La Liga is crucial after their slip-up in the Clasico, and they must ensure a victory in the Champions League as well after a bitter loss to Shakhtar.