Pedri will replace the injured Frenkie de Jong in the Barcelona starting lineup against Valencia at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Monday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Valencia to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Monday night. And Xavi Hernandez has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Frenkie de Jong picked up a long-term ankle injury against Real Madrid in the final El Clasico of the 2023/24 season. The issue has ruled the Dutch midfielder out of the rest of the campaign. He has joined Alejandro Balde and Gavi on the sidelines.
Xavi spoke about Frenkie de Jong during his pre-match press conference. He also discussed the potential availability of Pedri while answering questions surrounding Vitor Roque’s lack of game time and his future heading into the summer transfer window.
The Barcelona manager said, “Pedri is 100% ready for tomorrow, and in principle he will be there tomorrow. For me, Frenkie is key and a very important player. Nothing has changed. It is sad that he suffered three injuries this season, especially since he was at a high level.”
On Vitor Roque, Xavi said, “We must agree on what is best for each player with Deco and the president. We have not decided anything. At the end of the season, we will decide what is best for each person.”
“It is not easy to come from Brazil and make the decision directly. It takes time and adaptation takes time. At the end of the season, we will decide. Roque needs more time to adapt and more confidence, and I think he can play in Barcelona for a long time.”
Vitor Roque will unlikely start on Monday, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line for Barcelona. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal should be the two wide attackers. As for the midfield unit, Pedri should replace the injured Frenkie de Jong. The young Spaniard will join Ilkay Gundogan and Andreas Christensen in the middle of the park.
The rest of the team should see no changes. So, the backline will feature Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, and Ronald Araujo. Finally, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will take his usual spot between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
