Pedro ready to make Barca impact
Barcelona forward Pedro is ready to overcome his recent injury problems and once again make an impact for the reigning La Liga and European champions.
Pedro played a key role for Barca last season as they cruised to the Liga and Champions League double, scoring 22 goals in 54 matches.
However, an ankle injury has hindered his progress this season, and coupled with the summer arrivals of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, the Spain international has managed just one goal in eleven league appearances.
Nonetheless, Pedro showed signs of returning to his best on Thursday night, scoring from the spot in Barca's 9-0 win over L'Hospitalet in the Copa del Rey, and is ready to make an impact once again.
"I feel better every day," Pedro said on the club's official website. "I'm getting more rhythm and confidence.
"I hope to start next year at 100%.
"There's a lot of competition, there are players that are doing really well. It's great for the group."
Heading into Thursday's match with just a one-goal lead from the first leg, Pedro was aware that Barca had to get off to a strong start.
But having opened the scoring from the spot, and with Barca already six goals to the good on the night, Pedro had no qualms allowing Thiago to step up when they were awarded a second penalty.
"We started off intensely, we knew it would be difficult because of how the away game [in the first leg] went," Pedro added.
"The fact that we scored early made it easier, from that point on we were more comfortable.
"Thiago asked me if he could take it [the second penalty] and I let him, like Xavi and Cesc let me take the first one."
Barcelona are next in action on January 8 when they take on local rivals Espanyol in La Liga.