Barcelona's Champions League triumph must be paid a heavy price with Pedri's injury

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says that Pedri's hamstring injury in the 4-2 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Thursday, January 22, 2022, is not good news.

Fermin Lopez scored twice, plus goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski in Prague, but the victory was tarnished by an injury to Pedri early in the second half.

The Spanish midfielder underwent a check-up on his arrival in Barcelona to determine the severity of his injury.

"I don't know exactly what injury he has, but it's a hamstring injury. Yes, that's it. Sometimes things like this happen."

"I don't know how long he will be out. It's not good news. We'll see (on Thursday local time)," Flick said in a press conference after the match.

Pedri, who suffered from several injury problems early in his career, has largely been unhindered by fitness issues since Flick came in as Barcelona coach in 2024.

However, he missed five games due to a hamstring problem earlier this season and another game in December 2025 due to a calf problem.

Without Pedri for most of the second half against Slavia Prague, Barcelona secured a crucial victory in their bid to finish in the top eight of the Champions League group stage thus securing a direct path to the last 16.

Fermin, who scored a hat-trick in the win against Olympiacos, was brilliant with two goals in the first half after Vasil Kusej's opener for the hosts so his total goals in this season's Champions League is five goals.

"Fermin is a fantastic player. It was very important for him and the club that he stayed here last summer because he grew up in Barcelona, he lives for Barcelona."

"I really appreciate what I saw today," said Flick.

Lewandowski's own goal drew the score to 2-2 before halftime. However, Olmo - who replaced Pedri - brought Barcelona back to the lead in the 63rd minute. Lewandowski then scored on the right side, taking advantage of a cross from Marcus Rashford, to secure the three points with 20 minutes left.

Barcelona, who host Copenhagen in their final group stage game next week, climbed to ninth place with the win over Slavia Prague. They know that a win next week will likely see them move into the last eight and avoid a playoff that includes teams from ninth to 24th.

"It won't be easy to beat Copenhagen. We don't know if Ferran (Torres) will return, maybe Pedri won't play now, Frenkie (de Jong) will be suspended."

"However, we will get Lamine (Yamal) back, that's true. We have a good chance of getting into the top eight."

"We didn't start the Champions League well, but with one game left, we still have a chance to be where we want to be," Flick warned.

For information, Yamal was absent in the victory over Slavia Prague because of a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards.