Top Barcelona Midfielder Ruled Out of El Clasico, His International Call Up Might Be Cancelled

Top Barcelona Midfielder Ruled Out of El Clasico, His International Call Up Might Be Cancelled

Isaac Darko
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM
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  • Barcelona will be without Pedri against Real Madrid
  • The midfielder sustained an injury last month against Manchester United
  • He is also expected to miss Spain's upcoming European qualifiers

Barcelona star Pedri has been ruled out of El Clasico and will not face Real Madrid on Sunday, according to the Spanish media.

The midfielder suffered a thigh injury during Barcelona’s 2-2 Manchester United at Camp Nou a month.

Pedri, Barcelona, Real Madrid, El Clasico
Pedri is expected to be out of action against Real Madrid. Image: David Ramos/ Josep Lago.
Source: Getty Images

As reported by Marca, Pedri was substituted just before half-time after he picked up the injury during a collision.

The Spaniard to training this week and was said to be making good progress.

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`Spanish media outlet, Sport has noted, relayed by Forbes, that Pedri was doing selective training and was expected to undergo test on Saturday to determine whether he would be available for the El Clasico.

However, Mundo Deportivo claims that the Barca no. 8 failed to complete training session on Friday after feeling sharp pain in his right thigh.

Madrid-based Publication AS has now reported that the 20-year-old has been ruled out Sunday's game, which could well decide where the La Liga title ends up this year.

Furthermore, Pedri will not be able to report for duty with the Spain national team over the upcoming international break which starts next week.

Anti-racism campaign

El Clasico is arguably the biggest game in Spain and one of the most prominent fixtures in the European football calendar. La Liga wants to use it to pass a considerable message across.

Barcelona will lock horns with eternal rivals Real Madrid again on Sunday, March 19, at Camp Nou as both teams continue to push for the La Liga title this season.

According to the Daily Mirror, La Liga and street art group Boa Mistura has put together a colourful and vibrant campaign based around the word ‘Unity’, which will be prominent at La Liga matches over the next week, including the El Clasico.

La Liga players will wear unique T-shirts with the message. Visual materials such as the captain's armbands and video scoreboard messaging will be used at games throughout match day 26, including El Clasico.

Dembele misses El Clasico

Sports Brief earlier reported that Ousmane Dembele has been one of Barcelona’s stars this season but the winger’s slow recovery from his recent injury is now a cause of concern for the Catalans.

The 25-year-old forward was ruled out for five to six weeks after picking up a knock in February as doctors predicted his return to full fitness in March.

According to Barca News Network, Dembele is expected to spend another 2-3 weeks on the sidelines as Barcelona’s medical and coaching staff wants to ensure his complete recovery to avoid the risk of any relapse.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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