Barcelona have drawn up a roadmap to restore midfielder Pedri to his best level in time for the tie against Atlético.
Pedri has been out for almost a month with a hamstring problem sustained in the UEFA Champions League game against Slavia Prague.
While the Catalans managed reasonably well without him, the last two matches underlined how much his absence is felt — defeats to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi‑final first leg and to Girona in La Liga.
According to SPORT, Pedri is continuing individual work at the club’s training facilities, despite Hansi Flick having given the squad two days off after the Girona defeat. Flick has drawn up a plan to get Pedri back to his top level ahead of the cup tie.
The midfielder aims to meet the projected recovery timeline and return after the weekend when Barcelona face Levante in La Liga. Unlike previous setbacks, he has handled this one better: he has shown a more positive attitude, followed the prescribed programme closely and is now close to returning.
The initial target is for him to play between 15 and 20 minutes on his league return. That would be the first stage; if all goes well he could be included in the squad and start regaining competitive rhythm. After Levante, Barça have another free week, which will be important for building match fitness. The next stop would be Villarreal, where the intention is for him to complete half a match.
If he passes these tests without setbacks, Pedri would be ready for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi‑final against Atlético at Camp Nou on 3 March. To attempt a remarkable comeback from a 4‑0 deficit to Atlético, Flick will need his best midfielder, and the aim is to restore Pedri to peak condition by then after a month out with injury.
