Official: Pedri picks up injury and Alba returns ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

Ahead of the crucial La Liga matchup against Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona has released an official medical update on the conditions of Jordi Alba and Pedri.

After spending weeks on the sidelines, Alba has finally received the medical all-clear and will be available for selection ahead of the game at Wanda Metropolitano. This will also mean that Sergino Dest will be able to resume his duties at right-back after spending three games as a makeshift left-back.

However, the situation with Pedri is not so sweet. The young midfielder made his return against Benfica after being ruled out for two weeks. Coming off an injury, he was not expected to start.

[COMUNICATS MÈDICS❗]
✅ @JordiAlba ha rebut l'alta mèdica
❌ @Pedri té una lesió muscular al quàdriceps de la cuixa esquerra. És baixa i l’evolució en marcarà la disponibilitat #AtletiBarça pic.twitter.com/pPGWNQxJXA

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) October 1, 2021

However, Ronald Koeman decided to deploy the 18-year-old right from the get-go. Now, he once again has an injury to the quadriceps muscle on his left thigh.

Nevertheless, the injury is said to be a minor setback. The Canary Islander did not train with the squad today but worked separately in the gym. His recovery will determine his return to action.

It is a massive blow for the Catalans, heading into a clash of monumental proportions. With the youngster now ruled out, two prominent names pop up to replace him in the starting lineup.

Sergi Roberto will be one of the options, much like how he started the season. However, the ideal replacement for Pedri would be young Gavi, who also received his first National Team call-up yesterday.

Ronald Koeman seems set to be sacked after Saturday night’s game. That said, it remains to be seen how he handles the key setback ahead of the clash against Diego Simeone’s side.