Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that Pedri's latest thigh problem is similar to the one that he struggled with last season, as the midfielder faces another spell on the sidelines.

The Spain international has played in both of his side's La Liga matches this season and found the back of the net in the 2-0 victory over Cadiz last time out.

However, the 20-year-old is now expected to be on the sidelines until October, having suffered a thigh problem during a training session on Thursday morning.

Pedri spent time on the sidelines with two separate muscular problems last term, both related to his right thigh, and that is also the area of the youngster's current issue.

Xavi has said that the midfielder has "done extraordinary work to gain muscle mass" in a bid to strengthen the area, but the ongoing issue is a concern to the club.

"The injury is similar to the one he had. We'll see how he feels when he comes back. He's a player who takes care of himself, he's done extraordinary work to gain muscle mass, but there are many variables: the games, the heat," Xavi told reporters during his press conference on Saturday.

"What we try to do is prevent injuries and try to stop them from recurring. But it's part of the game and sports in general."

Pedri has made 111 appearances for Barcelona since his arrival from Las Palmas in 2020, including 52 in his first season at the Catalan club.

Xavi was also asked about his contract situation on Saturday, with the 43-year-old's deal due to expire next summer.

The club's legendary former midfielder insisted that there are 'no concerns' when it comes to his future, suggesting that an announcement could arrive in the near future.

"I'm calm, happy, I'm at the club I love. As I have always said, it is a privilege to be here. In my case, it doesn't change anything," he said ahead of the clash with Villarreal.

"It is still ten out of ten. There is no problem at all. Everything is calm, happy, and in perfect harmony with the sports area and the president. The staff are delighted to work here and there won't be any problems."

Barcelona are expected to announce a deal for Joao Cancelo in the coming days, with the Portugal international preparing to arrive on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The Catalan outfit also continue to be linked with Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, but it now seems unlikely that the attacker will be moving to Camp Nou before the end of the transfer window. body check tags ::