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.
It will likely take around 17 points to secure a spot in the top 8 of the Champions League, while 8 points should be enough to finish between 9th and 16th. Right now there are 21 points still up for grabs. @diarioas
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 20, 2024
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.
