Xavi makes bizarre claim about Barcelona injuries after seeing Pedri join Frenkie de Jong and Gavi on sidelines

Barcelona have been struck with a number of significant injuries at key positions this year, with Pedri and De Jong as the most recent casualties in a long list of knocks. Pedri's issue is of particular concern, as the former Golden Boy winner has only managed 16 La Liga appearances this year.

The Barca boss told reporters on Thursday that he has managed minutes well this year: "What we are trying to do is prevent injuries, I think we have done an impeccable job, especially Pedri. I have already told him that it is the last injury. It is not as serious as first thought. I’m sure he will come back and he will be important. He is not the first player that this has happened to."

Since making 73 appearances in 12 months as a 17-year-old, Pedri hasn't been able to stay fit for long. Recurring hamstring injuries have sidelined him for long periods, and the latest knock - although not as serious as first thought - will have him out for at least a month.

The Barca boss only has three months left on the job. Xavi announced his pending resignation at the end of January and is set to leave the club in June. Until then, he will oversee the rest of the Blaugrana's campaign, starting with a La Liga clash against Mallorca on Friday.