Pedri: Barcelona's star midfielder set to miss Chelsea clash through injury

Barcelona have announced that their star midfielder Pedri has sustained a muscle injury and is expected to be sidelined for a considerable period of time. 

The 22-year-old started the El Clásico against Real Madrid. Many observers regarded his performance in that match as his worst this season, worsened by the red card for a poor challenge on Aurelien Tchouameni. 

It is unclear whether Pedri was carrying a niggle against Real Madrid or if he sustained the injury during training on Monday or Wednesday. 

Barcelona announced today that he had hurt the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh. An estimated return time was not stated. “The player's recovery will dictate his return to action,” the statement read. 

Dario AS reporter Javi Miguel reported that Pedri's injury is “very bad” as the recovery time is an estimated six to seven weeks. He is expected to miss at least eight matches, including the Champions League clash against Chelsea and the important LALIGA fixture against Atletico Madrid in December. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona received a boost with the return of Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to be fit for the clash against Elche. First-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia is also expected to return soon.