"The midfielder is expected to miss around a month of action, forcing Hansi Flick to rethink how he replaces one of the most influential players in his starting XI. Pedri's absence creates a void that goes beyond numbers. His control of tempo, intelligence between the lines and ability to link midfield with attack make him almost impossible to replace like-for-like."
"If rotation becomes necessary, Frenkie has previously filled Pedri's position this season, allowing Eric Garcia to return to midfield, where he has already shown reliability. Furthermore, Pedri's injury could also quietly change the outlook for younger players like Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal. Both are expected to receive more minutes as rotation increases, and that added responsibility may have long-term consequences."
Pedri will miss around a month after suffering an injury during Barcelona's 4-2 victory over Slavia Praha, forcing Hansi Flick to adapt the starting XI. Pedri's absence removes unique control of tempo and a link between midfield and attack that is difficult to replace like-for-like. Barcelona can deploy Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Raphinha or Lamine Yamal to reinterpret the attacking-midfielder role. Olmo can drop deeper to help control midfield, especially with Frenkie de Jong unavailable. Rotation could see Frenkie occupy Pedri's position with Eric Garcia returning to midfield, while Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal should receive more minutes.
Read at Barca Universal
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