Pedri, Frenkie de Jong return to Barcelona squad for Atletico Madrid clash

Pedri has been out since February with a hamstring problem, missing the team's last eight league games, with the 20-year-old suffering a setback in his recovery.

However, the Spain international has now been declared fit to return to action alongside De Jong, who picked up a hamstring problem of his own before the March international break.

The Netherlands international has been absent for Barcelona's last three league games, in addition to the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

However, Barcelona remain without the services of Ousmane Dembele, who has not been included in the squad despite returning to training following a hamstring issue.

The club's head coach Xavi also revealed that Andreas Christensen is close to returning from a calf issue, but Sergi Roberto could be out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring problem.

"He's practically fit again (Dembele). This week we will get him back. Christensen is also almost 100%. Tomorrow, we will decide if Pedri and/or Frenkie start. Except for Sergi Roberto, we are close to having the entire squad ready," Xavi told reporters on Saturday afternoon.

Barcelona remain in a commanding position at the top of the La Liga table, sitting 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, but they have drawn their last two league games 0-0.

The Catalan outfit will also be welcoming an Atletico side that have won their last six league games, which has left them in third, just two points behind Real Madrid.

"They have a great team. Cholo (Diego Simeone) is a great coach. We are up against a top rival and in a state of grace. They are perhaps the most in-form team at the moment. [Antoine] Griezmann is in great shape, and Simeone is doing a great job," Xavi added.

"Griezmann is an essential player for Atletico Madrid. He is in excellent shape. He seems comfortable and he's a player to keep in mind."

Barcelona have not scored in their last three matches in all competitions, but they have not gone four straight games without finding the back of the net since April 2008 under the management of Frank Rijkaard.

Barcelona squad vs. Atletico Madrid:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Araujo, Alonso, Alba, Kounde, E Garcia, Balde; Busquets, Pedri, Kessie, F de Jong, Gavi, Torre; Yamal, Lewandowski, Fati, F Torres, Raphinha, Alarcon