SPORT reported that Frenkie de Jong, a key player in the middle for Barcelona, went to half of today’s team workout. Reports from earlier this week said that his return against PSG would be hard, but the club didn’t say anything about it.

Each of Pedri and de Jong got hurt against Athletic Club early in March and couldn’t play for a few weeks. The Spaniard’s injury was said to be much worse.

Neither player was supposed to be back for the first match until it was said that they would both be traveling to Paris with the team. This recently changed when news came out that the club doesn’t want to risk both of them for the first match.

Who will play in the middle with de Jong?

Since de Jong and Pedri were not playing, Xavi chose to use Sergi Roberto, Fermin Lopez, and Ilkay Gundogan in the middle of the field. Both players have done well, especially in the games against Atletico Madrid and Las Palmas.

But one of them is likely to drop out. Andreas Christensen, on the other hand, is likely to be back in time for the game.

Gundogan will play further forward, and the Dane will likely start as the center midfielder. Also, de Jong could play as the third man if he is fully healthy.

If that doesn’t happen, Roberto is likely to start over Fermin to fill out the middle of the field.

How about Pedri?

Pedri might not be able to play in the first match against PSG like de Jong did. It was always said that his injury was worse, and the player didn’t want to be on the bench as much.

Barcelona is not likely to risk him for the game at Parc des Princes, even if he is back in team training before the game. He’ll probably be at the second part, which will take place at the Olympic Grounds in Barcelona.