Barcelona midfielder expected to be fit for Villarreal clash despite ankle pain | OneFootball

Barcelona did not start their European campaign in the most auspicious fashion, falling to a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco on Thursday night. A red card to Eric Garcia tipped the balance in Monaco’s favour, forcing Marc Casado and Pedri to hold down the middle of the pitch on their own, and there were concerns that the former might have finished the match with an injury.

Pedri was taken off in the closing minutes for Pablo Torre, while Casado ended the match limping heavily, collapsing to the floor on the final whistle. He had been involved in a challenge with a Monaco player on his ankle, but Diario AS say that there is no sign of injury so far, and that it was ‘merely’ a heavy blow to the area. He is set to be available for their clash with Villarreal on Sunday night, as Barcelona look to maintain their 100% domestic record.

Hansi Flick will be mightily relieved if that is the case. Pedri and Pablo Torre are his only natural central midfielders available apart from Casado, although he has been using Garcia and Raphinha in central roles at the start of the season. Until Frenkie de Jong, then Fermin Lopez and Gavi are back in action, Casado and Pedri will be asked to hold down the middle of the pitch.