San Mamés is always a difficult one for Barcelona and it was the same again in Bilbao. Not only did The Catalan Giants share the spoils of a draw, but they also lost their two key players in Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.
This trip to the Basque metropolis was an expensive one for Barça in all aspects. The upcoming Champions League clash against Napoli will be a tricky one for Xavi as the Catalan wouldn't like a trophyless farewell.
At the post-match press conference, Xavi expressed his concerns regarding the injuries..
"It has been a disgrace. The injuries are not looking good and they have affected us. The players are affected. There are two absences that will be for several games. It is a sad day. They are two decisive players. Pedri was once again in very good shape. It is a shame And Frenkie is also decisive. We will miss them."
Later, the club published an official statement regarding the updates.
❗ 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗢 𝗠𝗘́𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗢
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) March 4, 2024
➡ De Jong sufre un esguince en el ligamento lateral externo del tobillo derecho
➡ Pedri tiene una lesión en el recto femoral del muslo derecho
Ambos son baja y su evolución marcará su disponibilidad pic.twitter.com/RN0yfjrFhj
Which roughly translates to:
"MEDICAL STATEMENTvia X (@FCBarcelona_es)
➡ De Jong suffers a sprain in the external lateral ligament of his right ankle
➡ Pedri has an injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh
Both are low and their evolution will determine their availability"
Pedri has been prey to the same injury twice this season and this one will be his third. Maybe playing a 21-year-old day in and day out isn't the best of ideas to cover up for the club's lack of quality players. Gavi was questioned to similar overuse and the Andalusian midfielder is now out till the end of the season.
Frenkie de Jong, on the other hand, has suffered two injuries twice this season, including the injury against Bilbao. The injury arrived at the worst time as the Dutchman is negotiating a renewal with the club, but rumors also suggest a sale in the summer.
It has been confirmed that both the players will be unavailable for the crucial UCL clash against Napoli, but the length of their unavailability is still in the dark.