Xavi handed huge Europa League blow with duo set to miss out on Manchester United second leg clash

Barcelona will be missing midfielders Gavi and Pedri for the second leg of their Europa League tie against Manchester United.

A thrilling first leg at the Camp Nou ended 2-2 on Thursday night, leaving next week’s return leg perfectly poised, with the winner progressing to the Europa League’s last 16.

Xavi will be without two of his most important players, with Gavi suspended after receiving a yellow card for a foul on Fred in the second half, hauling back the Brazilian as he broke away on the counter.

It was the 18-year-third old’s booking in European competition this season, following yellow cards against Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen in Champions League group games, earning him a one-match suspension.

The hosts were dealt a further setback when Pedri was forced off injured in the 40th minute.

Barcelona have confirmed the 20-year-old has a thigh injury, and while he will undergo tests to determine the severity of the problem, Catalunya Radio reports the Spain international will be out for three to four weeks.

It adds to the La Liga leaders’ injury woes, which also include Ousmane Dembele.

Sergio Busquets also missed Thursday’s game due to injury, but he could be back at Old Trafford next week.

After the game, Xavi stated that he will turn to Sergi Roberto to replace Pedri, who he replaced on Thursday night.

‘For me, Sergi Roberto is an alternative to Pedri because he understands the game very well, he is dynamic, and he can give us a lot in Pedri’s position,’ Barcelona manager Josep Maria Bartomeu said.

While Barcelona will be without key players, United will be boosted by the return of Lisandro Martinez, who missed the first leg due to suspension.

Marcel Sabitzer, a January signing, also missed out due to a suspension carried over from the Champions League, where he was booked three times in Bayern Munich’s group campaign.

He’ll be available at Old Trafford the following week.