Barcelona is currently nearing a state of optimal physical condition following a month characterized by a series of injuries. However, it appears that one of their pivotal players will remain absent for a significant number of weeks.

Pedri has successfully recuperated from his hamstring ailment, albeit one month later than initially projected. Xavi Hernandez, in his capacity as an authoritative figure, has verified that Pedri will be included in the roster for the forthcoming encounter against Real Sociedad, scheduled for Saturday evening. He is accompanied by Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Jules Kounde, all of whom were among the substitutes during the El Clasico match.

However, Frenkie de Jong will be absent. The individual of Dutch nationality got a physical examination on the day corresponding to Friday, nonetheless, he continued to have discomfort in his lower extremity subsequent to his muscular ailment, so rendering him unable to participate in the forthcoming encounter against Real Sociedad. It is anticipated that the individual involved in the sport will not resume participation until the conclusion of the month of November.

According to the Catalan daily, in light of the upcoming fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday and Alaves at home the following weekend, it is reported that the team intends to exercise caution with de Jong, potentially resulting in his absence from both of these matches. The subsequent match in which he will be eligible to participate is an away fixture against Rayo Vallecano, scheduled for the 25th of November.

The perception that Barcelona may consider the matches against Shakhtar and Alaves as favorable opportunities for victory in the absence of de Jong likely contributes to this line of reasoning. The current state of de Jong’s fitness remains uncertain, so accounting for his absence in the match between Alaves and Rayo.

Consequently, it is unclear whether he will be able to participate in international duty with the Netherlands. Given the Dutch team’s urgent requirement for positive outcomes in order to secure qualification for the European Championship, there is an increased likelihood that they will take the risk of utilizing de Jong. Consequently, Barcelona may also be inclined to prioritize his rest and limit his playing time.