Barcelona vs Man United: What Xavi Hernandez said about Pedri injury and penalty call

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez have provided an update on the injury to Pedri. 

The young Spanish midfielder was substituted against Manchester United at Camp Nou in the first let of round of 32 Europa League clash. 

In order to avoid being eliminated from two European tournaments at the first opportunity this season, Barcelona must defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford the following week.

The two European powerhouses shared four goals in the second half following a scoreless first stanza, ensuring that the tie would be decided in Manchester on Thursday.

Barcelona already lacks Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele because of injuries, and now that Gavi is suspended, they may also be without Pedri. Xavi Hernandez, the head coach of Barcelona, confirmed that the 20-year-old's thigh injury caused him to be replaced in the first half.

Speaking after the game, Xavi saie: “Pedri noticed some discomfort in the quadriceps.”

Xavi was left furious with the decision not to award a penalty for an apparent handball by Man Utd defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He felt that it was an obvious decision.

He added: “For me the penalty is very clear. I went to tell the referee that it was very clear. That’s my opinion. It’s not going to change anything. He says it’s close to the body and for me it’s not. It’s a clear penalty.”

Prior to traveling to England to face Manchester United in the second leg the following Thursday, Barcelona will host Cadiz in La Liga on Sunday.