Frenkie De Jong, Pedri Both Sustain Injuries in Barcelona's Goalless Draw Against Athletic Bilbao – News18

Barcelona midfielders Frenkie De Jong and Pedri had to be substituted because of injuries in the first half against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league on Sunday.

Barca suffered two injury blows, with midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri forced out in the first-half.

De Jong was carted off the field in the 26th minute after he landed awkwardly on his right foot following a challenge with a rival player.

Moments before halftime, Pedri left the pitch in tears after suffering what looked like a right leg injury.

It is the ninth leg muscle injury sustained by the 21-year-old midfielder since the end of the 2020-21 season.

Lamine Yamal replaced Pedri, while Fermín López came on for De Jong.

Ultimately, Barcelona were left frustrated as they squandered a chance to close the gap with LaLiga leaders Real Madrid after being held to a lacklustre 0-0 draw.

“It is a sad day,” Xavi told Movistar Plus.

“We’ll know more about their injuries between today and tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good. We were affected by that and I imagine that both will be out for several matches.”

Barcelona hosts Mallorca in the Spanish league on Friday before welcoming Napoli in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League on March 12. The first leg in Italy ended 1-1.

Barcelona entered the weekend nine points behind Spanish league leader Real Madrid.

Athletic, who entered the contest on the back of a 10-match winning streak at home in all competitions, are fifth in the standings with 50 points, five behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Reuters)