Pedri defends Raphinha after Barcelona star ruled out for five weeks through injury

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has leapt to the defence of team-mate Raphinha after the Brazilian winger was sidelined for five weeks with an injury sustained on international duty, an absence that deals a significant blow to the club’s upcoming fixtures.

The 26-year-old forward was hurt during a friendly contested abroad, prompting some observers to question why he had been deployed at full tilt in what was ultimately an exhibition match. Pedri, however, insists that dialing down intensity is never an option for a professional.

“It’s a sad situation for him or anyone to be injured, especially if they play for my team,” Pedri told reporters. “But I can tell you: You can’t play at half intensity. You’re three times more likely to get injured. It’s the worst thing you can do as a footballer. Sadly, injuries are part of football. If they have to happen, then they will.”

Raphinha’s lay-off will cause him to miss several key encounters for Barcelona, leaving the squad short of one of its most explosive attacking outlets at a critical stage of the campaign.

While the Brazilian’s prognosis dominated headlines, Spain’s contingent returned to Catalonia without fresh fitness concerns. Pedri and teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal were both handled carefully during the break; Yamal started against Egypt on Tuesday but was withdrawn after the interval, while Pedri completed only the opening 45 minutes of the 0-0 stalemate.

Barcelona now face the challenge of compensating for Raphinha’s absence, but Pedri’s words underline a broader truth within elite sport: commitment cannot be compromised, even when the stakes appear low.