The FC Barcelona medical department could deliver excellent news next week. In addition to Joan García and Raphinha, Hansi Flick could see Pedri González return around 15 days earlier than expected.

According to 'AS', the midfielder is completing a record recovery from the tear of the distal biceps femoris in his left leg suffered after the Clásico against Real Madrid

In principle, it was expected that the Tegueste player would be out for four to six weeks due to his first muscular injury in a year and a half. However, the work carried out in recent days has allowed the '8' to heal the affected area quickly. The coaching staff, however, does not plan to risk an early return for the 22-year-old footballer.

Pedri could be ready for Chelsea-Barça Champions League clash

And the information leaked by 'AS' assures that Pedri could be medically cleared before the duel against Athletic, next Saturday, November 22. In that case, Flick could give him some minutes in the second half, perhaps thinking of returning him to the XI against Chelsea for matchday 5 of the Champions League (November 25).

However, for the Tenerife-born player to return to the lineup in London, he would have to complete several full training sessions before and after the visit of Athletic. A scenario unthinkable just a week ago, when the absence of the midfielder was even feared for the league matches against Alavés and Atlético de Madrid.

In any case, the coaching staff will wait until the team returns to work with the entire group available mid-next week to determine **the return date and the work plan** to follow with Pedri

The technical staff will reinforce their care for the injured

Flick already had a bad experience with Raphinha before the Clásico (the Brazilian relapsed from his right thigh injury before facing Real Madrid) and will not allow a similar scenario with the Blaugrana number 8. Marc Casadó will continue to accompany **Frenkie de Jong** in midfield while the Canary Islander fully recovers.

Against Athletic, however, Dani Olmo will have to play a bit deeper to cover for Frenkie's absence, after his expulsion for a second yellow card against Celta. Marc Bernal, Eric García, and even Andreas Christensen could help out in the pivot position if the coach deems it appropriate.

Pedri Opens Up About His Physical Condition and Relationship with Flick

Pedri greeting Hansi Flick in a Champions League match

Thus, Pedri faces the final stretch of his recovery with renewed spirits and the confidence to continue leading the Barça midfield. In 25/26, the 22-year-old player has a couple of goals and assists in 13 games (1,099 minutes) with Barça. Before getting injured, the '8' started every game.

In an interview for the 126th edition of 'Barça Magazine', the midfielder stated that he has "learned to control my body and to know what it needs at all times. Injuries are tough, but they teach you to value what you have," the Spanish international pointed out.

Between 2021 and 2024, Pedri suffered nine muscle injuries. After Hansi Flick's arrival, the player from Tenerife overcame his continuous relapses. In this regard, he valued his relationship with the manager, as well as Ronald Koeman's contribution to his growth as a player at Barcelona.

"I will always be grateful to Koeman because he gave me my debut, trusting me when I was nobody. Xavi helped us revive the excitement, winning a league title that no one expected. He is also a club legend who helped us a lot and trusted young players. And with Flick, we have taken another step forward in terms of competitiveness, to try to fight for all the titles," he argued

"Flick has that characteristic German seriousness. He's serious when he needs to be, and when it's time to laugh, he makes us laugh a lot. He usually takes things calmly, but it's better not to make him angry"