Pedri and Cancelo are included in Xavi's Supercopa squad without medical clearance

Jan 10,2024

Both players are uncertain for the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia, but the coach is taking them with the hope that they will recover. On Tuesday at noon, Barcelona embarked on their journey to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Supercup competition. Their first match in this tournament is scheduled for Thursday, where they will face Osasuna. Xavi, the head coach, has selected several key players for the squad, including Pedri, Cancelo, and Balde, all of whom missed the previous Copa match against Barbastro. Additionally, Lamine Yamal is making a return after serving a suspension. Pedri, who hails from the Canary Islands, had already taken part in a portion of Monday's training session with the team. Xavi's decision to include him in the squad indicates his progress towards recovery. It's noteworthy that if Barcelona succeeds in the upcoming match on Thursday, they will have the opportunity to play in the final on Sunday, adding an extra layer of significance to their participation. Pedri had sustained a minor muscle injury in his right leg due to an incident on December 19th. Likewise, Cancelo, who is recovering from a left knee ligament strain, has made the trip with the team. However, just like Pedri, there are no guarantees regarding their playing time. Xavi is renowned for his cautious approach when it comes to reintroducing players after injuries. Both Cancelo and Pedri, along with Íñigo Martínez, have traveled to Saudi Arabia without receiving medical clearance. Ilkay Gündogan has also garnered attention in the recent hours. The German midfielder was unable to participate in Monday's training due to illness, but he has been included in the list of players called up and will join the rest of the team in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, several players are staying behind in Barcelona. This includes Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Marcos Alonso, all of whom are in the process of recovering from surgeries. Additionally, the injured Íñigo Martínez, who suffered a hamstring issue during the match against Barbastro on Sunday, will remain in Barcelona. This highlights the careful consideration given to player fitness and readiness, as Barcelona aims to navigate the challenges of the Spanish Supercup.