Barcelona could be handed a huge injury boost ahead of their trip to Chelsea in the Champions League.
Hansi Flick’s side are missing some key players at present, and that was demonstrated by their shock 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in their last European escapade.
The Culers are missing first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as well as star winger Raphinha and midfielders Pedri and Gavi.
That said, Pedri could soon return ahead of schedule, having suffered a hamstring injury following his sending off in El Clasico.
The initial fears were that the Spaniard would be out for at least six weeks, but Diario AS report that the 22-year-old could be back as soon as the international break is over.
There is hope that the La Masia graduate could return to action in some form against Athletic Bilbao in the league, before Barca head to London to face Chelsea in the league phase on Tuesday, November 25.
Flick is already sweating over the fitness of Lamine Yamal, who underwent groin surgery and is due to be assessed again after the international break, where he is not involved with Spain.
The two sides have identical records in Europe this term, winning two, drawing one, and losing the other of their first four games on the continent.
Barca are 11th, with Chelsea 12th in the league table, with Flick’s side ahead of Maresca’s men on goals scored.
