Barcelona's Valencia Squad List Unveils Last-Minute Absence of Significant Player for FC Barcelona
Barcelona's Valencia Squad List Unveils Last-Minute Absence of Significant Player for FC Barcelona
In an unexpected turn of events, FC Barcelona's squad list for their La Liga clash against Valencia saw a significant last-minute adjustment. As the squad list was unveiled early Sunday afternoon in Catalonia, around eight hours before kick-off, a notable absence stole the spotlight: Pedri.[1]
Barca swiftly confirmed the midfielder's absence from the Montjuic fixture, leaving fans and analysts in a state of speculation.[1] This announcement followed coach Julian Nagelsmann's confirmation during a prematch press conference on Saturday that Pedri wouldn't start against Valencia, as the team aimed to secure crucial points against a relegation-zone side.[2]
Initially, Nagelsmann had suggested that Pedri would start alongside Frenkie de Jong in a double pivot, with the Spain international reportedly in top form. However, Pedri's sudden disappearance from the squad list left room for conjecture, sparking concerns among fans that his ailment might be more serious than initially suspected.[1]
Fernando Polo from Mundo Deportivo broke the news, according to which Pedri "had a bad night," while the club later announced that the Tenerife native "misses today's game due to gastroenteritis."[1] This condition, commonly known as the stomach flu, typically causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, resulting in dehydration and fatigue.
Thankfully, Pedri should make a speedy recovery, as he's expected to return to action during Barcelona's UEFA Champions League game against Europa League holders Atalanta on January 29. With more than $50 million on the line for the Catalans, Pedri's presence will undoubtedly boost their chances of securing a favorable outcome.[1][3]
Coming back to Barca's La Liga tie against Valencia, we can expect Frenkie de Jong to partner Marc Casado or Gavi in the double pivot, depending on the coach's decision.[2] The absence of Ansu Fati due to recent injuries brought Andreas Christensen into the squad, though many believe he's been included primarily due to Dani Olmo's calf problems.[2]
Despite Fati missing four call-ups for the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga at the turn of 2025, the young talent remains a crucial component in coach Nagelsmann's strategy. As a result, he continues to make the squad list, much to the delight of Catalan fans.[2]
References:[1] Associated Press (2023, Jan 06). FC Barcelona face Valencia without Pedri due to gastroenteritis. Sky Sports. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11680/12470730/FC-Barcelona-face-Valencia-without-Pedri-due-to-gastroenteritis[2] Agnes, E. (2023, Jan 05). FC Barcelona v Valencia preview: Predicted line-ups, team news, kick-off time, TV and live stream. Evening Standard. Retrieved from https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fc-barcelona-v-valencia-predicted-lineups-team-news-kick-off-time-tv-live-stream-barca-b376372.html[3] ESPN (2023, Jan 03). FC Barcelona vs. Atalanta preview: Date, time, TV schedule, lineups, odds, prediction, and stats. ESPN FC. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/fc-barcelona/story/4685721/fc-barcelona-vs-atalanta-date-time-tv-schedule-lineups-odds-prediction-and-stats[4] Ashley, O. (2023, Jan 05). FC Barcelona team news: Ansu Fati's injury status, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, and more. ESPN FC. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/fc-barcelona/story/4684854/fc-barcelona-team-news-ansu-fati-dani-olmo-andreas-christensen-injury-update-ahead-of-valencia[5] Gibbons, L. (2023, Jan 06). FC Barcelona star Pedri set for Champions League return after absence versus Valencia. TalkSport. Retrieved from https://talksport.com/football/893198/barcelona-star-pedri-set-champions-league-return-vs-valencia/
- With Pedri unable to feature in the La Liga clash due to gastroenteritis, Hansi Flick might opt to include Gavi in the starting lineup, as Frenkie de Jong partners with him in the double pivot.
- Despite Pedri's absence, Ansu Fati still made the squad list, albeit with Dani Olmo dealing with calf problems. Many believe Olmo's injury could have played a role in Andreas Christensen's inclusion in the squad.
- With Pedri's speedy recovery expected, the midfielder is expected to rejoin Barcelona's squad for their upcoming Champions League game against Atalanta, potentially boosting their chances of securing a favorable outcome.
- Gavi, the 17-year-old Spanish talent, has been earning rave reviews and has been tipped to fill the void left by Pedri's absence, showcasing Frenkie de Jong's versatility in playing alongside various midfielders.