Barcelona’s request to withdraw Pedri from the Olympics squad rejected

According to SER, Barcelona’s request to have midfield prodigy Pedri dropped from the Spain squad for the Tokyo Olympics have been turned down by the Spanish Federation.

Pedri was one of the three Barcelona players that were named in the Spain squad for the Olympic Games to be held in Japan. Oscar Mingueza and Eric Garcia were also on the roster, that was announced on Tuesday. Spanish U21 coach Luis de la Fuente also commented on his inclusion, suggesting that it was a dream for everyone called up.

Barcelona, though, are worried about Pedri’s involvement in the Olympics. The 18-year-old is coming on the back of a long and gruelling season with the club, during which he went on to make over 50 appearances and seemed fatigued in the latter stages of the campaign.

Pedri is now away with the Spanish national team for the UEFA Euro 2020 where he has been an ever-present in Luis Enrique’s starting XI, with La Roja making it to the quarter-final stages of the summer extravaganza, where they face Switzerland later this week.

Should Spain go all the way to the final, Pedri will be involved in the tournament till July 11, before having to take off for the Olympics which begins in less than a week after the Euro finals. And, should La Roja go the distance there as well, the midfielder would be involved till as long as August 7 – just a week before the 2021/22 season kicks off.

Considering that the 18-year-old has had just a one-week break between the end of the season and the Spain camp for the Euros, it is a serious concern that Pedri might be burned out by further involvement in the Tokyo Olympic Games, which is why Barcelona approached the Spanish Federation to request he be removed from the roster, only to be turned down.

There have been instances in the past when players have themselves withdrawn by claiming injuries. Pedri, however, is believed to be keen on participating in the Olympics. And, with Barcelona’s request also being rejected, it seems like the 18-year-old will be flying out to Tokyo once his Euro 2020 commitments are over.