‘He won’t be available‘ — Hansi Flick confirms €140m Barcelona star will miss Villarreal clash

FC Barcelona are set to shut out a extremely profitable 2025, a yr during which they re-established themselves as one of the feared and aggressive groups in Europe. The Blaugranes will face Villarreal of their ultimate match of the yr, one other high-flying crew in Spain this season.

All gamers are anticipated to place in a powerful efficiency, however one key absence has been confirmed. Midfielder Pedri is not going to function towards Villarreal after lacking coaching on Friday because of harm.

As SPORT has reported, Hansi Flick addressed the scenario in his pre-match press convention confirming the €140 million-rated midfielder’s situation and expressing his frustration.

“He gained’t be obtainable. I’m not joyful about this, however he’s injured. He is not going to be obtainable. I don’t prefer it, and I’m not joyful. He must be prepared for the derby, I feel. It’s a quadriceps drawback.”

The German coach added that whereas Pedri might technically play, the danger of aggravating his harm is excessive:

“The chance is excessive—he might play, however there could be a threat, and he could possibly be out for 2 months. He’s present process remedy. We’ve determined that we don’t wish to take dangers. We’ll want him for the return towards Espanyol and the Supercup.”

Pedri has been one in every of Barcelona’s most necessary gamers and has featured closely over the previous yr. The toll of such intense bodily exercise is comprehensible, however the hope is that his harm shouldn’t be severe and that he’ll return to the squad quickly.

In the meantime, there may be excellent news for Flick and Barcelona. Robert Lewandowski is absolutely match and obtainable for choice towards Villarreal:

“He’s prepared and an possibility for tomorrow. He can play. We didn’t wish to take dangers within the Cup, however now he’s obtainable, and that’s excellent news.”

FC Barcelona will hope to shut out the yr with a powerful efficiency towards Villarreal whereas rigorously managing the health of key gamers as they put together for a busy begin to 2026.