Pedri sidelined 3-4 weeks with left thigh tear for Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been ruled out after sustaining a tear to the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The 22-year-old underwent tests after the match and is not expected to return to action until after November’s international break, meaning he will miss several domestic and European fixtures and is unlikely to join Spain for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Barcelona’s statement said, “First team player Pedri has suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh. The player’s recovery will dictate his return to action.” Medical reports and club sources indicate a rest period of around three to four weeks, though the club did not give a definitive timetable. Pedri will miss Saturday’s home match against Elche, for which he would also have been suspended after receiving a second yellow card late at the Bernabeu, and is set to be absent for the Champions League trip to Club Brugge and the La Liga visit to Celta Vigo. If recovery proceeds on schedule he could be available for Barcelona’s game against Athletic Club after the international break, but a setback could...