BARCELONA star Pedri was reduced to tears on the bench after suffering yet another injury against Athletic Bilbao.
The Spain midfielder, 21, has already been sidelined on two occasions this season due to fitness issues.
He was ruled out for two months earlier in the campaign due to a hamstring injury, before he missed two matches at the turn of the year due to muscular problems.
Pedri had started six of Barcelona’s last eight LaLiga matches coming into their goalless draw with Bilbao on Sunday.
But he now faces more time out after going down at the end of the first half.
The midfielder was replaced after falling awkwardly when his left foot gave way following contact from Inaki Williams.
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He was substituted for Lamine Yamal, 16, and looked crestfallen on the bench.
After covering his face with his shirt as he made his way off the pitch, Pedri was seen crying in the technical area as his team-mates consoled him.
He has already missed 71 games over the last three seasons as injuries plague his development.
And it is devastating news for Barcelona – who also saw Frenkie de Jong replaced in the first half due to injury.
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Speaking after the game, manager Xavi said: “Pedri and De Jong’s injuries do not look good, unfortunately. It seems serious.
“We are sad, as I think they will be out for some time.”
Barcelona sit third in LaLiga, eight points adrift of table toppers Real Madrid.
And they are now set to be without both Pedri and De Jong for their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli on March 12.
Barcelona earned a 1-1 draw in Italy and will be looking to book their quarter-final spot when the Serie A champions travel to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
