Xavi will likely have to cope without Pedri and Ousmane Dembele for his first game in charge of Barcelona against Espanyol on Saturday at the Camp Nou.
Pedri had been expected back in time for the match but it seems Barca will be careful with the midfielder with Xavi wanting to avoid any “unnecessary relapses,” according to Sport.
Dembele is also close to a return but Barca won’t rush the Frenchman back either, although it’s thought the two players could have some minutes in midweek against Benfica.
Xavi will also have to cope without Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite, and Sergi Aguero for the derby with all three players still sidelined.