Revealed: Pedri doing specific work to build up muscle mass to keep up with Barcelona's intense schedule.

Neymar had to go through the same process back in the day as he arrived from Santos looking like a fragile teen.

Pedri is following a special programme to build up his muscle mass, Mundo Deportivo report.

If the match schedule allows it, the 17-year-old does gym work three times a week.

It's expected that this is going to help Pedri win more duels on the pitch and will allow him to keep up with Barcelona's intense schedule.

However, the club understands that the youngster doesn't need to be the most muscular player on the pitch; overdoing it could lead to Pedri losing his plasticity.

Pedri has scored two goals in 10 matches for Barca so far this season.