A recurring nightmare: Pedri's injury deepens Barcelona's crisis

Just when things couldn't get worse for Barcelona after a tough El Clásico defeat, the club has confirmed that midfield maestro Pedri has once again been sidelined with a hamstring injury. 

The news is a devastating blow, as it not only adds to a long list of absences but also highlights a worrying trend for one of the game's brightest young talents.

Another setback for a key player

Injury details: The 22-year-old suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris of his left thigh, 

an injury that is expected to keep him out of action for at least a month and a half, until December.

The last straw: The injury came after Pedri featured in the Clásico, where he was also sent off. 

While his suspension for the upcoming league match against Elche offered a forced rest, 

the subsequent diagnosis revealed a far more serious problem.

A familiar story: This latest setback reignites long-standing concerns over Pedri's fitness, which has been a persistent issue throughout his time at the club. The young midfielder has missed a considerable number of games due to recurring muscle problems, and this latest episode will undoubtedly raise questions about his workload and management.

A squad stretched to its limit

Pedri's absence couldn't come at a worse time for manager Hansi Flick, with the team already struggling with a mounting injury list.

A long list of absentees: As reported by Reuters, the squad is currently dealing with injuries to several key players, including Gavi, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-André ter Stegen.

Mixed news: While there are some reports of Dani Olmo returning to light training, the overall picture is bleak.

Flick's challenge: With the team facing a congested schedule of crucial fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League, Flick will be forced to rely on youth players and tactical adjustments to fill the gaps in his depleted squad.

Looking ahead

For now, the focus will be on getting Pedri back to full fitness without rushing his recovery. 

This latest injury is a huge mental blow for the player, who has shown incredible resilience in battling back from previous setbacks. 

His return to the side will be crucial for Barcelona's chances of turning their season around, but for now, the club must navigate a challenging period without its midfield conductor.