Why Pedri was taken off at half-time of Barcelona vs Atletico

Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Atlético Madrid took an unexpected turn at the interval when midfielder Pedri failed to re-emerge for the second half. Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed after the match that the withdrawal was precautionary, citing emerging discomfort in the Spain international’s posterior thigh.

“Pedri has some issues, nothing major, but we don’t want to take risks because we need him right now,” Flick told reporters. Spanish daily AS reports that the 21-year-old will undergo further assessment on Thursday, and club medics anticipate he will miss the upcoming Catalan derby against Espanyol.

Barcelona are already managing a crowded treatment room, yet optimism remains that Pedri will recover in time for the return leg at the Metropolitano. The same update suggested Frenkie de Jong is also nearing a comeback after his own spell on the sidelines. Flick, who named a 23-man squad for Wednesday’s Camp Nou encounter, will now weigh midfield options ahead of a pivotal stretch in both La Liga and Europe.

Pedri’s early exit did not appear to hamper Barça’s rhythm in the opening instalment of their European tie, but his availability for the decisive second leg could prove crucial to the club’s progression hopes.