As the exhilarating El Clasico approaches, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez remains cautiously optimistic about the potential return of star players Robert Lewandowski and Pedri. Both players have recently returned to training but have been absent from the pitch due to injuries. Xavi’s updates, however, have left fans wondering whether they’ll see their beloved stars in action during Saturday’s colossal clash with Real Madrid.
Xavi Hernandez on Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski, the prolific Polish striker, has missed the team’s last three games due to an ankle injury. Xavi, not wanting to tip his hand, offered little insight during a press conference:
“He’s fine, he did the training with a good feeling, but I won’t give anything away here. I’m not going to give a clue.”
Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez on Pedri Injury
The situation with Pedri, the young midfield sensation, is equally uncertain. He hasn’t played since the second match of the season, a span of over two months, after suffering a hamstring problem. Xavi emphasized the importance of caution:
“We don’t want to force anyone, we want to minimize risks. Everyone wants to be there. Tomorrow we’ll see.”
Xavi Hernandez
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Pedri’s series of injuries are often linked to the astounding 73 games he played for club and country during the 2020/21 season when he was just 18 years old. Xavi acknowledged this, saying,
“We will never know, that’s the first thing you think of. It seems like one of the conditions, but the injuries are multifactorial.”
Despite the challenges, Xavi Hernandez also shared positive news, stating,
“With Pedri, we are within the deadlines. Everything is going well, the great news is that players who had five weeks left can be ready in three.”
Xavi
Mundo Deportivo reports that Lewandowski and Pedri have rejoined training. Alongside key players such as Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde. However, the uncertainty lingers. Recently AS revealed that both Lewandowski and De Jong have resorted to pain-killing injections in their determination to be part of this highly anticipated showdown.
CONCLUSION
The El Clasico is known for its thrilling encounters and unexpected twists. Fans from all around will be anxiously waiting to see if Lewandowski and Pedri will make their much-anticipated comebacks. In the hands of the talented Barcelona manager and medical staff, there’s hope that they’ll be ready to shine on one of football’s grandest stages. The world watches, and the excitement builds as the stars of Barcelona prepare for this electrifying clash against Real Madrid.