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Real Sociedad logo
La Liga | Gameweek 12
Nov 4, 2023 at 8pm UK
Reale Arena
Barcelona logo

Real Sociedad
0 - 1
Barcelona


Mendez (49'), Zubeldia (74'), Zubimendi (84')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Araujo (90+2')
Felix (49'), Martinez (60'), Gavi (86')

Pedri makes long-awaited return to Barcelona squad

Pedri makes long-awaited return to Barcelona squad
© Reuters
Spanish midfielder Pedri returns to the Barcelona squad for Saturday's La Liga contest with Real Sociedad.

Pedri is in line to make his first Barcelona appearance since August 20 when the Catalan outfit take on Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday evening.

The 20-year-old has not featured for Xavi's side for more than two months, having suffered a thigh injury during the league contest with Cadiz towards the end of August.

Pedri was able to train ahead of El Clasico last weekend, but he was ultimately left out of the clash, which Real Madrid won 2-1 courtesy of a second-half brace from Jude Bellingham.

The Spain international is in the squad for the game with Real Sociedad, though, and Barcelona head coach Xavi said during his press conference on Friday that the midfielder is now "100%" fit despite concerns over his thigh, which has caused a number of issues during the early stages of his career.

"His return has not been delayed. He is 100%. I see him ready. It's great news for the team," said Xavi.

Pedri in action for Barcelona on October 4, 2022© Reuters

"The goal for everyone is to be physically fit. We work a lot on injury prevention. For me he's a fundamental player. I hope he can have continuity to show that he's worth a lot."

However, there is still no Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona, with the Netherlands international still dealing with pain his injured ankle, which prevented him from being involved in El Clasico.

"It depends on his feelings. Pedri has a good feeling, but Frenkie hasn't yet. He has tried but he is in pain," said Xavi when asked for an update on the Dutchman. "Frenkie has a bad feeling, it hurts."

Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde were all back in the squad for El Clasico and are again involved, with the latter bidding to make his first appearance since recovering from a knee injury.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski on September 23, 2023© Reuters

Xavi has said that he is looking for a response from his side this weekend following the disappointment of the defeat to Carlo Ancelotti's team last weekend.

"They (Real Sociedad) are a Champions League team, one of the best sides in terms of defensive line. Imanol [Alguacil] is one of the best coaches in the category. After the defeat against Madrid, the team has taken a step forward. We have to react and win the three points," he added.

"We had the game under control. We lost it, but we had it in our hands. It was details that made us lose the game. Tomorrow there is another test and we have to get it out of the way. We have time to learn, we are four points behind the leaders but there is time to recover."

Sergi Roberto is also still missing for Barcelona due to a calf issue, which has allowed Marc Casado to be involved in the first-team squad once again.

The reigning La Liga champions are currently fourth in the table, four points behind leaders Real Madrid on the same number of matches (11).

Barcelona squad vs. Real Sociedad:

Ter Stegen, Astralaga, Pena; Cancelo, Balde, Araujo, I Martinez, Christensen, Alonso, Kounde; Gavi, Pedri, Romeu, Gundogan, Casado, Fermin; F Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Felix, Yamal

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How you voted: Real Sociedad vs Barcelona

Real Sociedad
14.6%
Draw
16.7%
Barcelona
68.8%
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Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski on September 23, 2023
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37297187266194
2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
RCadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


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