Barcelona confirm Pedri injury as Gavi suspended for second leg

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Barcelona have confirmed Pedri could face a spell out of action with injury after being forced off against Manchester United.

Barcelona’s club website states Pedri has suffered a ‘hamstring injury’. He will undergo tests on Friday.

Spanish newspaper AS report Pedri could face as long as four weeks out. It appears highly unlikely he will face Manchester United in the second leg of this Europa League tie.

United host Barcelona at Old Trafford next Thursday and will have to adjust without Pedri.

Xavi was quoted after the game: “We lost Pedri due to the calendar. It’s very demanding, which is why rotation is very important, especially for those players playing all the time, to avoid these injuries but a lot is at stake in the last four months of the season

The 20-year-old was forced off in the 41st minute against Manchester United, replaced with Sergi Roberto.

It is part of a second blow suffered by Barcelona with Gavi picking up a yellow card in the second half for fouling Fred.

Gavi was just one yellow card away from suspension before the tie. All cards are wiped out only after the quarter-final stage.

Blow for Barcelona as United prepare to welcome back stars

Manchester United were without Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer due to suspension in the first leg, with Antony and Scott McTominay injured.

All four could return for the next match, with a question mark over Anthony Martial. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are long-term absentees.

Manager Erik ten Hag said this week that McTominay and Antony could return to training within days.

Barcelona are without Ousmane Dembele for the second leg, while Sergio Busquets is expected to be rushed back for the tie at Old Trafford with Gavi and Pedri unavailable.