Pedri CRIES on the bench after being injured again as De Jong is also hurt

Barcelona midfielder Pedri was in tears after being subbed off with an injury in Sunday's LaLiga clash against Athletic Bilbao.

The 21-year-old only recently returned from treatment after missing three weeks of action at the start of the year and now looks set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Tears were etched across the Spaniard's face as he slumped in a chair in the Barcelona dugout while being consoled by team-mates seeking to raise his spirits.

Pedri has been hampered by muscle problems - this being his third of the campaign - during a disappointing season for the Catalan club and previously missed two months in August with a hamstring complaint.

His latest injury came just on the stroke of half time when the talented box-to-box midfielder went down awkwardly after being clipped by Inaki Williams while attempting to tackle the Bilbao winger.

He went down under his own accord as his left foot appeared to give way and was quickly withdrawn by Barcelona manager Xavi and replaced by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

Pedri looked devastated in the technical area and his latest injury adds to a growing list of midfield absentees that have come in the build-up to a crucial Champions League last-16 clash.

Matters had already looked bleak for the Spanish giants when Frenkie de Jong was carried off on a stretcher in the 26th minute of the match.

The Dutchman - who is a long-term target of Manchester United - landed awkwardly on his ankle and had to be carried off the pitch by medical staff at the San Mames stadium.

There were immediate concerns that he will now spend another prolonged spell out of action after already missing two months of the season with a sprained ankle.

The latest injury complaints come at the worst possible time for Barcelona as they prepare to host Napoli in an upcoming Champions League knockout tie.

Napoli travel to the Camp Nou on Tuesday, March 12 with the aggregate score level at 1-1.