Pedri returns to field for Barcelona after one-month injury absence – Winnipeg Free Press

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Pedri returns to field for Barcelona after one-month injury absence – Winnipeg Free Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez returned to the field for the first time in a month as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Alaves in La Liga on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Spain international is sidelined with a torn left thigh muscle.

While his teammates won all four La Liga matches without him, Barcelona missed Pedri's vision and passing skills in two Champions League matches: a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge and last week's 3-0 defeat at Chelsea.



Barcelona's Pedri (center right) fights for the ball surrounded by Alaves players during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Alaves in Barcelona, ​​Spain, Saturday, November 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Pedri came on as a substitute in the match against Alaves, replacing Rafina with half an hour to play.

Before his recent injury, Pedri played 72 of a possible 73 matches under coach Hansi Flick.

Saturday's match was also the first time this season that Barcelona's starting line-up featured a front three of Lamin Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Rafinha. Everyone has dealt with injuries this campaign.