Barcelona are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Napoli, as Pedri and Frenkie de Jong limped off this evening.
Pedri is absolutely no stranger to muscular problems and this showed in his reaction to a suspected hamstring strain, as he sat in tears on the bench while consoled by staff and teammates.
It was the right thigh yet again and that suggests a relapse and long lay-off.
Midfielder De Jong was stretchered off after badly spraining his right ankle, so he too is very unlikely to recover in time for the Napoli match.
The first leg of the showdown ended 1-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in what was the debut of third coach of the season Francesco Calzona.
As the away goals rule has been scrapped in UEFA tournaments, it becomes winner takes all in the second leg on March 12.
Barcelona won’t even have home advantage of Camp Nou, as the stadium is undergoing restructuring work, so it will be played at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys instead.
Barcelona duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong both had to be substituted in the first half of their side's match against Athletic Club with apparent injuries.#FCB's Champions League last 16 second leg against Napoli is just over a week away. pic.twitter.com/Vo8VoztAaM
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 3, 2024