Pedro Must Seize Chance to Shine for Barcelona in Place of Neymar

Luis Enrique's Barcelona have, for the most part, been impressive this season.

That is, excluding Pedro.

The forward has been in the doldrums this term, while others around him have soared.

To write him off now would be a tad harsh on a player who has racked up over a couple of hundred games for the first team since making his debut under Pep Guardiola at the age of 20.

There were times when Pedro was of crucial importance, when he was the player to make a key intervention.

Those days are difficult to remember now, having been off the boil for some time.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

It was hoped that Enrique injecting fresh enthusiasm into Barcelona may rejuvenate the Canary Islander, but that hasn't happened.

Between a couple of injuries, we've not seen anything like the best of him.

There was discussion in Spain this week about whether Pedro would even be fit to play against Eibar on Saturday afternoon.

He seemed to have sustained a slight problem while away on international duty, per Sport:

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Everything suggests the Canary Islander has returned with a slight physical problem as he has spent the last two training sessions working away from the group.

Despite Barca's silence on the subject, it seems clear Pedro is not 100 percent for this weekend's match against Eibar.

With several of Barcelona's stars racking up thousands of air miles during the international break, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Pedro to pick up some more minutes.

After suffering with a stomach problem at the beginning of the season, it looks like the 27-year-old has found another reason to keep him sidelined from working with his teammates.

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However, Luis Enrique confirmed at a press conference today (Sport link in Spanish) that Pedro would be starting the game.

Neymar seems to be the player most likely to drop out of the starting line-up to accommodate him, allowing the Brazilian to rest ahead of a big week for Barcelona.

They take on Dutch side Ajax on Wednesday at the Camp Nou in an important Champions League game, particularly after they lost against PSG at the Parc des Princes.

On Saturday, Barcelona then travel to the Spanish capital to face rivals Real Madrid.

Pedro must seize his chance and shine in the game against Eibar, and he must use that performance as a springboard if he is to stay at the club beyond the end of the season.

Barcelona are not allowed to buy any new players until 2016, but with Munir El Haddadi, Sandro Ramirez and Gerard Deulofeu (currently on loan at Sevilla) all vying to be first in line behind Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, any chance he gets is vital.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Some Barcelona supporters are already starting to lose their faith in Pedro, and if he doesn't perform against the minnows from the Basque Country, questions will be asked.

Although Eibar are a tiny team and the odds are stacked against them, they could prove a banana skin for Barcelona.

They have started the season in good form and have been fearless against bigger opponents.

With the international break just finished and the Clasico around the corner, a few Blaugrana minds may be drifting elsewhere.

Pedro needs to be focused and regain what previously made him a great option for Barcelona. If he can't do that on Saturday, people will doubt whether he ever can again.