Sports
Hansi Flick makes major decision on Pedri’s fitness ahead of Chelsea v Barcelona
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has now made a major decision on Pedri‘s fitness ahead of the Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Tuesday.
The Blues will be looking to return to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday, having been unable to overcome Qarabag last time out, drawing 2-2 away at the Azerbaijani side, but they should be heading into the game with renewed confidence.
Enzo Maresca‘s side have put together a good run in the Premier League, winning their last three matches without conceding, most recently securing a 2-0 win at Burnley courtesy of goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.
Maresca was particularly happy with his side’s defensive showing, saying after the game: “The way we competed I am very happy.
“To come here and not concede is very difficult. It’s normal to concede something. But overall they only had one real chance. During the game they didn’t have any big chances and during the game we had loads of chances.”
However, the manager will be well-aware that Tuesday’s opposition will be much tougher, and the west Londoners have now been handed a boost heading into the Champions League encounter…
Hansi Flick set to leave Pedri out against Chelsea
According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Pedri is now unlikely to travel to London ahead of Tuesday’s game, as Flick and his coaching staff believe it is not worth risking the midfielder, who suffered a hamstring injury near the end of October.
The 22-year-old is now a serious doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge, having missed training on Sunday, which will be welcome news for Maresca & co, who need every advantage they can get heading into the game against the reigning La Liga champions.
Lauded as “amazing” by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star has been absolutely integral for Barcelona over the past year, regularly displaying his ability to dictate games, set-up chances for his teammates, and drive the ball forward.
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Pedri’s key statistics |
Average per 90 (past year) |
|
Assists |
0.17 (80th percentile) |
|
Passes attempted |
91.85 (98th percentile) |
|
Progressive carries |
3.42 (99th percentile) |
|
Successful take-ons |
1.40 (97th percentile) |
That said, the La Liga side are likely to be just as fearful of Chelsea’s midfield, with Fernandez scoring his fifth goal of the season against Burnley at the weekend, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has waxed lyrical about Moises Caicedo this season.
As such, Chelsea should no doubt fancy their chances heading into Tuesday’s game, taking on Barca in a competitive game for the first time since a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou back in 2018.
