"Pedri's injury absence could hardly have come at a worse time for Barcelona or Spain. However, for everyone who's been arguing that Barça and the reigning European champions are far too dependent on their little midfield genius, it's come at the perfect time to test the contenders to his throne. It's also a great moment to examine how coaches Hansi Flick and Luis De La Fuente try to cope in the coming weeks while Pedri recovers from a thigh injury."
"Here are the stark facts: Barcelona are five points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid and outside the Champions League top eight -- which means they'd have to enter the playoff round if they are still there at the end of the league phase -- but need to play Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Club Brugge and FIFA Club World Cup champions Chelsea away from home without their best player this season. In fact, he's arguably been Europe's best midfielder this season."
"Spain, for whom Pedri has been man of the match in each of their last two wins, need good results away against Georgia and at home to Turkey to ensure they win Group E and qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A draw (or defeat) in Tbilisi with Turkey winning their last two fixtures, including against Spain in Seville later this month, would leave La Roja second in the group and needing to sweat it next March against other runners-up."
Pedri's thigh injury removes Barcelona's and Spain's most influential midfielder during a pivotal period. Barcelona sit five points behind Real Madrid and are outside the Champions League top eight, facing away fixtures at Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Club Brugge and Chelsea without their best player. Pedri has been arguably Europe's best midfielder this season and Barcelona's key creative source. Spain rely on Pedri after consecutive man-of-the-match performances and must get results away to Georgia and at home to Turkey to win Group E and secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coaches Hansi Flick and Luis De La Fuente now must find effective alternatives while he recovers.
Read at ESPN.com
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