BARCELONA: Barcelona playmaker Pedri extended his contract by four years through to June 2030 on Thursday in a boost for club president Joan Laporta who has been in the spotlight over the handling of the Dani Olmo debacle.
The 22-year-old Pedri was hailed as a great future hope from age 16, and has filled the gap left by departed club legend Andres Iniesta.
Part of Spain’s European championship winning line-up in 2024, Pedri penned the deal alongside Laporta and Barcelona sports director Deco, the club’s website reported.
Laporta has been under pressure at Barcelona since the national league ruled the club had failed to register summer signings Olmo and Pau Victor in time. The pair currently have temporary playing licenses.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona made sure of second place in the 36 team Champions League on Wednesday but the Blaugrana trail Real Madrid by seven points in La Liga.
Barcelona’s Pedri extends contact to 2030
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Barcelona’s Pedri extends contact to 2030
- The 22-year-old Pedri was hailed as a great future hope from age 16
- Pedri penned the deal alongside Laporta and Barcelona sports director Deco
Australia injury woes continue with skipper Marsh ruled out of World Cup opener
- Former captain Steve Smith will join squad in Sri Lanka as cover while Travis Head captains team
- Marsh sustained direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week, Cricket Australia says
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening game of their Twenty20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday with a groin injury, Cricket Australia (CA) said.
Steve Smith will now join the squad in Sri Lanka as cover, with fellow batsman Travis Head captaining the side at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and Matthew Renshaw coming into the team.
Marsh sustained a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week and is experiencing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement, the board added.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice,” CA said in a statement.
Head said at the toss later that Marsh was unlucky to miss out and appeared to play down the seriousness of the injury. He did not give a timeline for his teammate’s return.
“Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out for him,” Head joked after winning the toss and opting to bat.
“He’s the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It’s nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we’re looking forward to going well.”
Australia are also without fast bowler Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the event after failing to recover from a niggling back injury. Fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood lost a race to be fit after Achilles and hamstring injuries.
Mitchell Starc has quit the format, leaving them without their top quick bowlers.
The big-hitting Tim David was also ruled out of the first game as he returns from a hamstring strain.
The 2021 champions take on Zimbabwe in their second match on Friday.
