FC Barcelona finally received a piece of news capable of easing weeks of tension: Pedri González is back training with the group and will be available for Hansi Flick ahead of Saturday’s match against Deportivo Alavés at the Spotify Camp Nou. The Canary Island midfielder, injured since El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26, completed Thursday’s session normally and is set to return after more than a month out of action.

The joy over the Tenerife native’s recovery contrasts with the misfortune of Fermín López, who will miss two weeks due to a soleus injury after a hard challenge from Sancet against Athletic Club, although he was able to play at Stamford Bridge before the issue was confirmed.

A Much-Needed Return for an Inconsistent Barça With Key Absences

Pedri suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris of his left leg and, despite trying to force his return in recent fixtures, the medical staff insisted on avoiding risks. The plan is for the midfielder to start on the bench against Alavés, easing back with limited minutes to be in better rhythm for Tuesday’s crucial clash with Atlético de Madrid, moved forward due to January’s Supercopa.

His absence has been noticeable. Since his injury, Barça have played five matches with a record of three wins (Elche, Celta and Athletic Club), a draw against Club Brugge, and a tough defeat to Chelsea. Despite the results, the team has looked inconsistent, losing fluidity in build-up play and control of the game’s tempo, areas where Pedri is an unquestionable reference.

His return, along with Raphinha’s recovery, injects much-needed quality into a midfield that has been forced to reinvent itself amid significant competitive demand.

Flick Recovers Key Pieces and Adjusts the Plan for a Tight Schedule

With Pedri back and Fermín sidelined, Hansi Flick now deals with just two additional long-term absences: Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi. The rest of the squad is available, and the German coach will use the coming days to define the roadmap ahead of a decisive stretch in the schedule.

Thursday’s training session also featured academy players Pedro “Dro” Fernández and Eder Aller, during a workout held at the Tito Vilanova pitch. On Friday, the team will train again and Flick will address the media ahead of the showdown with Alavés.

Barça can finally breathe. The piece that gives the team balance, calm, and depth is back. And at a moment when every point matters, getting Pedri back isn’t just good news—it’s a strategic lifeline for Flick’s entire project.