Pedri Hamstring Injury Concerns Rise As Barcelona Boss Flick Assesses Impact After Slavia Prague Win

Barcelona moved closer to the Champions League last 16 with a 4-2 win over Slavia Prague, yet the night ended with concern for Pedri. Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed a hamstring problem for Pedri, and

Barcelona now wait on scan results ahead of a decisive final group game.

The victory lifted Barcelona to ninth in the league phase standings with one round left, keeping qualification hopes under their control. Only the top eight teams advance directly to the last 16, so Barcelona must still secure a result against FC Copenhagen to avoid depending on other clubs.

Slavia Prague struck first when Vasil Kusej scored inside 10 minutes, putting Barcelona under early pressure. Fermin Lopez then turned the contest, striking twice to give Barcelona control. Robert Lewandowski accidentally diverted the ball into his own net for 2-2, before later scoring at the correct end to complete the win.

Pedri created Fermin’s second goal with a precise assist, underlining Pedri’s influence before the injury. The midfielder then left the pitch around the hour mark holding the hamstring area. Dani Olmo replaced Pedri and quickly restored Barcelona’s lead, meaning all three key attacking midfielders directly affected the scoreline in Prague.

Flick admitted the injury situation overshadowed parts of the result, speaking with clear concern after the game. "I don't know what he has exactly, but it's the hamstring.It is what it is. Sometimes these things happen, Flick told reporters. I don't know how long he'll be out. It's not good news. We'll see. Then Olmo came on and scored a goal. The substitution was a success, and the fourth goal came at just the right time, which is very good. "

Hansi Flicks reaction after the win in Prague. pic.twitter.com/4lKGL4c0O8FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 22, 2026

Despite the four goals in attack, Barcelona’s defensive streak remains a concern in Europe. Barcelona have now gone 10 consecutive European Cup or Champions League matches without a clean sheet, the longest such spell in club history. The pattern adds pressure before facing a Copenhagen side that can still threaten qualification chances.

Lewandowski entered the record books in unusual fashion. The forward became the first Barcelona player to score both a goal and an own goal in the same Champions League match. At the same time, Fermin increased the personal tally to seven goal contributions in this Champions League campaign, with five goals and two assists.

No other Spanish player has matched Fermin’s total of seven goal involvements in this season’s competition. Flick highlighted how close Barcelona came to losing Fermin last summer and welcomed the final decision. "He's a fantastic player. The decision was his, and I'm happy he stayed, Flick said of Fermin. He's a player who lives and breathes Barcelona and has that Barcelona DNA. I really appreciated his performance. "

Attention now turns to the meeting with FC Copenhagen, where only a win secures a guaranteed top-eight place. Flick outlined a mixed squad picture, with some players returning and others still missing for the closing league phase fixture.

"It won't be easy to beat Copenhagen, Flick warned. We don't know how Ferran [Torres] will be, and Pedri might not play. We have Lamine [Yamal] back, but [Frenkie] de Jong won't be available. We have a good chance of finishing in the top eight. We didn't start the Champions League well this season, but we have a chance to be among the top eight. " The result in Prague therefore keeps Barcelona’s targets intact while leaving key fitness questions unresolved.