Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández has, on Saturday, provided updates on the well-being of two key members of his midfield ranks.
The players in question? Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. Beginning with the former, Barca have been without the services of Dutch international De Jong since all the way back in September, owing to an ankle problem.
The hope had been that the former Ajax man would be back on the pitch by now, but a series of setbacks over recent weeks have forced him into an extended spell on the treatment table.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Xavi was therefore drawn on the latest on De Jong’s situation, and whether he will be part of the Blaugrana’s matchday squad to face Alavés tomorrow.
The Spanish tactician, though, went on to confirm that his midfield standout is not yet ready to return, instead targeting the club’s La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano on the far side of the international break.
“Frenkie de Jong will be ready for Rayo Vallecano,“ he explained.
Turning attentions towards engine room partner Pedri, on the other hand, the news proved of an altogether more positive nature.
Spanish international Pedri marked his long-awaited injury comeback earlier this month, since featuring off the bench against both Real Sociedad and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Sunday, though, could see the 20-year-old back in the starting line-up, with Xavi having confirmed that:
“Pedri is at 100%“ (to face Alavés).
Conor Laird | GSFN
