Pedri & Frenkie de Jong injured in Barcelona's 0-0 draw with Bilbao in LaLiga

Barcelona are currently second in the league table

Both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were substituted during the first half of Sunday’s LaLiga match at San Mames between Athletic Club and Barcelona, Barcelona are now dealing with a midfield injury dilemma.

After falling uncomfortably on his ankle in the 26th minute, De Jong was carted off in an ambulance. Earlier this campaign, the Netherlands international’s injury to his ankle kept him out of action for two months.

Meanwhile, Pedri suffered his third muscle injury of the season shortly before the half. He was sidelined for two months in August due to a hamstring strain, and he lost three weeks at the beginning of the year due to another muscular condition.

On Monday, the two players will have scans, but according to Barça coach Xavi Hernández, neither player appears to be in danger.

After a scoreless draw with Athletic, Barcelona’s day ended in third place with 58 points, eight points behind La Liga toppers Real Madrid.

“The injuries affected the team because Frenkie and Pedri are two important players for how we want to play,” Xavi said in his post-game news conference.

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“Pedri’s been coming good again [after his last injury], he trained really well this week. It’s such a shame. Frenkie, too. He is heavily involved in our play. They are two big losses.

“It doesn’t look good. We missed them today and we are going to miss them. Hopefully it’s for less time than expected.”

🎙️ Xavi, Fermín, and João Cancelo talk about Sunday's draw with Athletic Club pic.twitter.com/JJzvWMEqlc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2024

“It was a big opportunity wasted,” added Xavi as Barça failed the opportunity to reduce the gap on Madrid, who drew with Valencia on Saturday, and go to the second ahead of Girona, who lost to Mallorca earlier on Sunday.

“We did not play well. Maybe the first 15 minutes was OK, but the rest wasn’t. We can’t be satisfied. We have to be self-critical. We should have taken a step forward.

“It’s true this is a tough place to come, but we are disappointed because it wasn’t how we wanted to play. Perhaps the only positive is how we defended.”

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