Xavi Hernandez provided fitness updates on star players Robert Lewandowski and Pedri following the narrow win over Real Sociedad on Saturday night.
Lewandowski made his first La Liga start since the end of September on Saturday, playing 57 minutes of the game at the Reale Arena. The Polish forward struggled with an ankle injury throughout October, missing three games due to the ailment.
Pedri entered the action when Lewandowski was subbed off, with the young midfielder making his first appearance for Barca since gameweek two of the 2023/24 season. The 20-year-old was again forced to endure a spell on the sidelines due to a reoccurring hamstring injury he’s suffered with throughout the last few seasons.
Neither player was able to make a telling contribution in the game, with Barcelona instead relying on a 92nd-minute goal from Ronald Araujo to get them over the line against Sociedad.
Speaking about the return of two of his star players after the win, manager Xavi insisted the club are keen to manage Lewandowski’s return from injury.
“Lewandowski is coming back from an injury and it’s hard for him to stay 100% fit. We have to manage injuries and substitutions well.”
Xavi also elaborated on Pedri’s return and what it means going forward.
“The face of the team is going to change. Today it was difficult for him to enter because of the intensity there was, but he came back well and this is great news for him and for the entire team.”
The injury list is now significantly reduced for Xavi, with only Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto missing for Saturday’s win.
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