Injury update: Barcelona key player set to return for El Clasico

Spanish outlet Diario AS provided a new update (h/t Barça Buzz) regarding the return of Pedri. The 18-year-old was initially ruled out after an injury in the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. 

He was rushed back into the matchday squad to take on Benfica in the same competition just a week later. Ronald Koeman decided to start the youngster immediately upon return, and the experiment backfired as Pedri was once again ruled out owing to a relapse. 

As a result, the Spanish international missed the game against Atletico Madrid. It was a massive blow for the Catalans, as the teenager has proven to be invaluable to their midfield.

Reports claim that he will be ready to take on arch-rivals Real Madrid on the 24th of October. It is also not ruled out that he could be fit earlier and return to the squad for the games against Dynamo Kyiv or Valencia. 

This comes as a big boost to an under-pressure Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman is hanging onto his job by a fine thread. Any hopes of retaining his position as the manager of the club depend on positive results in the next three games.

With the teenager back, Barcelona can once again hope for their midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong to shine and run the show. 

Pedri missed out on the decisive rounds of the UEFA Nations League too due to the same injury, despite being initially called up. However, it was good news for Gavi, who not only received his first international call-up but also played 83 minutes against Italy.