When will Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Raphinha return for Barcelona?

Barcelona’s treatment room has become the most-watched space at Ciutat Esportiva this week after Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha and Pedri were all absent for Saturday’s 1-0 La Liga win over Real Mallorca. Coach Hansi Flick confirmed post-match that De Jong was left out as a precaution because he “wasn’t 100%,” while Raphinha did not even make the squad after an overload issue ruled him out for a second consecutive game.

Medical staff have since diagnosed De Jong with a very minor groin strain, sources told AS, an ailment described as “not serious.” The Dutch midfielder is expected to resume full training within days and is pencilled in to start Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at Atlético Madrid.

Raphinha’s timeline is only slightly less urgent. The Brazilian winger skipped Sunday’s collective recovery session and continued his individual workload, but club medics believe he will rejoin group drills early next week. If that progression goes smoothly, he should also be cleared for selection against Diego Simeone’s side.

Pedri’s path back is the longest of the trio. The 21-year-old playmaker, who made a brief cameo against Mallorca, will not be risked for either the cup tie or the subsequent league meeting with Girona. The current target is the visit of Levante on 22 February, giving the Canary Islander almost three more weeks to reach full fitness.

With the summer transfer window looming, Barcelona have labelled keeping their core players healthy as their “absolute priority,” and Flick has pledged to monitor every minute of Pedri’s reintegration personally.

Barcelona enter a decisive fortnight hoping that two of their most influential creators will be available against Atlético, while patiently awaiting the full return of the third.