The world of football has been shaken once again by the words of German coach Hansi Flick in the press conference prior to the Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol.

Although the news is not a new serious injury, but rather a cautious management of the recovery of the Canarian midfielder Pedri González, the statements of the FC Barcelona coach have generated shock among the culé fans.

Flick confirmed that Pedri, after overcoming muscle discomfort in the soleus of his left leg that made him miss the last game of 2025 against Villarreal, is not yet ready to play the 90 minutes and will start the match from the bench.

“Pedri needs time. He has just come back from an injury and is not ready to play a full game. The same goes for Dani Olmo.

We will have quality on the bench and, when we need it, they will be there to help,” Flick explained in a serious but optimistic tone.

These words, spoken just half an hour ago in the press room at the RCDE Stadium, have left thousands of fans with their hearts in their mouths, accustomed to seeing how Pedri’s talent is constantly interrupted by physical problems.

The context of an expected but prudent recovery

The absence of Pedri in the starting eleven is not an absolute surprise. Let us remember that on December 20, 2025, in the press conference prior to the duel against Villarreal, Flick had already made his discomfort clear: “Pedri is injured and I am not happy with this.

We have to take care of him and get him treated. We cannot take risks.” That discomfort, initially classified as an overload in the left soleus, was treated with maximum caution to prevent it from leading to a major relapse, like those that have so marked the Spanish international’s career.

The Christmas break served precisely that: total recovery. The club confirmed that Pedri received the medical discharge on January 3, along with Dani Olmo (absent due to a shoulder dislocation).

However, Flick’s philosophy is clear: in a marathon season with LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League and possible Copa del Rey rounds, such a valuable player cannot be rushed.

Pedri has already played 19 official matches this 2025/26 season (17 as a starter), accumulating more than 1,450 minutes, 2 goals and 6 assists.

His return in November after a previous hamstring injury was key to the streak of seven consecutive victories in the League that keeps Barça as the leader with four points ahead of Real Madrid.

Therefore, every minute spent on the field is pure gold… but also a risk.

Why is Pedri so important for this Barcelona?

Since the arrival of Hansi Flick to the culé bench, Pedri has become the true driving force and brain of the team. His ability to receive between the lines, turn, drive and connect defense with attack is practically irreplaceable.

When Pedri is not there, Barça loses fluidity: Frenkie de Jong must assume more creative responsibility, Marc Casadó or even Eric García try to fill the gap, but the team becomes more predictable.

In the games that Pedri missed in November due to an injury to his left distal femoral biceps, the team conceded six goals in two Champions League games. His return coincided with the best Blaugrana version of the season.

Therefore, the decision to leave him on the bench in a derby as intense as today’s against Espanyol (which arrives with a desire for revenge and in a great moment) generates debate: excessive caution or necessary protection?

Flick is clear: “It is a very long season. There are many games in the coming weeks. We cannot risk everything in a single game.”

The German prefers to have his star fresh for the Super Cup (semifinal against Athletic Club on January 7 and possible final on the 11th) and for the demanding January-February calendar.

Pedri’s story of love and suffering with injuries

At 23 years old, Pedri has already had a career marked by muscle fragility. Since his explosion in 2020 with Barça and the Spanish team (European Championship and Olympic Games), the Canary Islander has suffered multiple setbacks in his hamstrings, soleus and other areas. Under Xavi Hernández, relapses were constant.

With Flick, thanks to changes in diet, training load and greater rotation, Pedri enjoyed an almost impeccable 2025… until this little alarm in December.

The culé fans live between hope and fear. Every time Pedri falls to the ground, the Camp Nou holds its breath. Every time Flick talks about “taking care of him,” the ghost of the lost seasons is relived.

What’s coming for Pedri and Barça in 2026

If everything goes as planned, Pedri will come off the bench today at some point in the second half, probably with the game under control, to add minutes and confidence.

His presence, even if partial, will be a morale boost for a team that wants to close the first round as winter champions and start the year on the right foot.

Flick’s message is forceful: Pedri will not miss 2026. The Canarian will be in the Super Cup, in the Champions League round of 16 and in the fight for all the titles. But for that, you have to be patient.

And today, at the RCDE Stadium, patience translates into watching it from the bench… although it leaves many fans speechless.

Football is like that: unpredictable, exciting and sometimes cruel to its best talents. Pedri continues to be the future of Barça. You just have to take care of him… even if that means watching him wait his turn from outside the grass.

For now, the Catalan derby begins without him in the starting eleven. But Pedri is there, ready to come in and change the game when he is needed most.Because in Hansi Flick’s Barça, the best Pedri is the healthy Pedri… and whole.