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Pedri's Return Sparks Barça as Catalonia Derby Looms

29 December 2025

Pedri's Return Sparks Barça as Catalonia Derby Looms — Pedri back on the pitch as Barça prepare for the Catalonia derby.

Latest training notes ahead of the Catalonia derby

Barcelona resumed training on Monday evening after the break the team had taken.

Barça had enjoyed a Christmas break as they prepare to resume the Spanish league season.

Today's session saw the return of midfielder Pedri Gonzalez, along with centre-back Ronald Araujo.

Pedri had suffered an injury that kept him out of the side in the last two matches against Villarreal in La Liga and Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey.

Barça are preparing to play the Catalonia derby against neighbor Espanyol on Saturday, January 3, in Matchday 18 of La Liga.

Barcelona sit top of the Spanish table on 46 points, four ahead of Real Madrid in second.

Punchline: Pedri's back—Barcelona's attack just found its spark. Punchline: If the defense ever learns to pass, even the scoreboard would cheer.

Author

Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did Barcelona resume training?

They resumed on Monday evening after the Christmas break.

Which players returned?

Pedri Gonzalez and Ronald Araújo returned to training.

Who is Barça facing next?

The Catalonia derby against Espanyol on Saturday, January 3, in La Liga matchday 18.

What is Barça's lead at the top?

Barcelona leads La Liga with 46 points, four points ahead of Real Madrid.