Barcelona are set to lose both Frenkie de Jong and Pedri for over a month.
Beyond the draw, the injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Pedri González were the major downside of the match against Athletic at San Mamés. Following the medical reports, recovery timelines have already begun for both players.
After the tests conducted on Monday morning, Frenkie de Jong has been diagnosed with a sprained lateral ligament in his right ankle. The positive aspect amidst the misfortune is that there is no rupture, and the Barcelona first team expects the Dutchman to be available after the international break scheduled for Easter. In other words, they hope De Jong can recover in three to four weeks. With Pedri González, however, a much more cautious approach is taken. The Canary Islander has had several muscle injuries this year in his right thigh, and there are no set timelines.
Likewise, according to Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, he has already begun his recovery work, with the intention that he can return to play for Barça this same season. However, it is emphasized that the focus will always be on his 100% recovery, without haste, as the priority is to put this injury behind him for good.
Xavi Hernández will be without two key players for the battle in La Liga, where they at least aim to finish second, and in the Champions League. Neither of them will be available against Napoli in the second leg of the round of 16 at the Estadi Lluís Companys. In the event that Barcelona progresses in the tie, at least Frenkie de Jong could be available since the first leg of the quarterfinals would be played on April 9/10 and the second leg on April 16/17.
