Barcelona midfielder Pedri has explained his disappointment at being set to miss out on this week’s decisive match against Manchester United.
Pedri was substituted in the 41st minute of the first leg after suffering a hamstring injury. He has been ruled out of the return leg at Old Trafford.
Manchester United host Barcelona on Thursday night after an enthralling first leg at the Nou Camp which finished 2-2, setting up an exciting decider.
Pedri has spoken out on missing the game and told AS he will find it difficult to watch the game from the outside.
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Pedri misses out
Spanish talent Pedri is regarded as one of the world’s best young players. His absence is a big blow for Barcelona.
Speaking to AS he said this is the kind of game he had dreamed of, a big match against another European side with major stakes. In his young career, he has not had many of these yet.
He said: “It was a hard blow because I was doing very well, but it’s about recovering and helping the team and my teammates again.
“I have a much worse time from the outside, I prefer to be on the field, but I have full confidence in the team.
“We really want to play this type of game, in a field that motivates and excites like Old Trafford.”
Barcelona are also without Gavi, who is suspended after reaching the limit for yellow cards in the competition.
It’s not all bad news for the La Liga leaders however, after they welcomed Sergio Busquets back from injury at the weekend as a late substitute.
The 34-year-old is expected to start the game along with Frenkie de Jong in a reconfigured midfield.
There will be opportunities ahead for Pedri, but Manchester United have to make sure that these only come next season, rather than later in this year’s competition.