Why is Pedri not playing today for Barcelona against Cádiz in LaLiga?

The Canarian midfielder has been left out of Xavi’s starting XI against Cádiz.

FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri has not made Xavi’s starting XI for the LaLiga game against Cádiz at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla.

The Canary Islander was left on the bench by Xavi as he opted for Christensen, Sergi Roberto and Romeu in the middle of the pitch in southern Spain.

There is no injury to Pedri and the decision, at the time of writing ahead of kick-off, is only to rest the player who has struggled with fitness for the past few seasons.  

Pedri has not played consistent football for a long time and his introduction onto the pitch against PSG in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final was a perfect example of just how much Barcelona have missed him during that time.

The player, just seconds after coming on around the hour mark, played a sensational pass over the scrambling PSG defence to Raphinha, who stuck the ball past Donnarumma in a game that ended 2-3 to the Catalan side. The Brazilian winger, who scored two on the night, was also left out by Xavi for the game against Cádiz.

Barcelona host PSG in the second leg of the quarter finals at Montjuïc on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET/ noon PT.