Flick has decided on the Barcelona midfield partnership against Villarreal - report | Barca Universal

"Pedri has not started a match since 21 January, when he played 61 minutes against Slavia Prague, a game in which he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for a month. The midfield maestro made his return on 22 February against Levante at Camp Nou, coming on in the 65th minute. Even in a brief appearance, his impact once again showed the extent to which Barcelona change with him on the pitch."

"Now, according to SPORT, with De Jong unavailable, everything indicates that Flick will rely on the partnership of Pedri and Marc Bernal at the heart of midfield against Villarreal. It means that the Canary Islander, who returned from injury recently, could return to the starting XI more than a month later and restore the order and control Barcelona have so clearly lacked in his absence."

"Pedri is now all set to start later today against Villarreal, with young Marc Bernal expected to be his partner. The teenage gem has been in good form in recent weeks and even scored against Levante last weekend. So, while Marc Casado could also be an option, everything points at Pedri and Bernal getting the nod as Barcelona's midfield pairing against Villarreal."

Barcelona prepares to face Villarreal at Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga Matchday 26, with a victory potentially extending their lead over Real Madrid. However, the team faces a significant midfield challenge as key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is ruled out due to a hamstring issue. Manager Hansi Flick must adjust his starting lineup accordingly. Reports indicate Flick will pair Pedri and Marc Bernal in midfield. Pedri, recently returning from his own hamstring injury sustained against Slavia Prague on January 21, made a brief comeback appearance on February 22 against Levante. Marc Bernal, the young midfielder, has demonstrated strong recent form and scored against Levante last weekend. This partnership aims to restore the midfield control and order Barcelona has lacked during Pedri's absence.

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