Barcelona ease Pedri fears as World Cup winner trains alone ahead of La Liga opener

Barcelona have moved to reassure supporters that Pedri's solitary start to pre-season is nothing to worry about, confirming the midfielder is following a specific training program rather than recovering from any setback.

Pedri returned to training this week alongside his Spain teammates fresh from winning the World Cup with La Roja over the summer. However, the 23-year-old has been working away from the main group, prompting questions about his fitness ahead of the new campaign.

The club have stressed that the arrangement is entirely deliberate. According to Mundo Deportivo, Pedri was advised to begin pre-season in the gym for “purely physical preparation reasons” before progressing to work on the grass, which he has now done.

“Pedri is yet to commence full training with his teammates as he's following a specific program,” Barcelona confirmed, adding that the situation is not injury-related.

The update comes as Hansi Flick's side finalize their pre-season preparations. Barcelona face FC Basel in a friendly on Sunday before their traditional Joan Gamper Trophy clash on Wednesday, which will serve as their final warm-up fixture.

Attention will then turn to the competitive action, with Barcelona opening their 2026-27 La Liga campaign next Sunday away at Elche. Pedri will hope to have rejoined the group fully by then and be available for the season opener as the club look to mount a serious title challenge.