At a Glance
- Return Timeline: Frenkie de Jong is expected to return to group training early next week as he enters the final phase of recovery.
- Availability: His presence for the upcoming Atlético Madrid Champions League quarterfinal first leg is unlikely, but he could be back against Espanyol.
- Context: Barcelona are managing his recovery carefully amid a crucial run of fixtures in La Liga and Europe.
Barcelona are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel regarding Frenkie de Jong’s injury, with the midfielder expected to return to group training in the coming days as he enters the final phase of his recovery.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Dutch international could rejoin the squad early next week, marking a key step towards his full return, and play some minutes against Espanyol over the weekend.
De Jong has been sidelined for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, missing a number of important matches during a crucial stretch of the season. Despite positive progress, Barcelona have remained cautious with his recovery, prioritising long-term fitness over rushing him back into action.
Hansi Flick has also indicated the midfielder will be slowly reintegrated gradually once he resumes training.
Barcelona are prioritizing caution ahead of key fixtures
FC Barcelona’s cautious approach is largely due to their demanding schedule.
The club is currently navigating a decisive period in both the La Liga title race and the Champions League, with multiple clashes against Atlético Madrid and other high-stakes fixtures ahead.
While De Jong’s return to training is a positive sign, it does not guarantee immediate match availability.
The club’s medical staff are expected to assess his condition step by step before making any final decisions regarding his inclusion in matchday squads.
Why De Jong’s return could be crucial
De Jong’s importance to Barcelona’s system under Hansi Flick cannot be understated.
His ability to control the tempo, progress the ball under pressure, and link defence with attack makes him a unique profile in the squad.
In his absence, players like Marc Bernal have stepped up, but replacing De Jong’s overall influence remains difficult.
Furthermore, as reported earlier on Sunday, Bernal picked up a knock himself in the 2-1 La Liga win over Atleti and is expected to be out for up to 10 days targetting the last eight second leg tie against the same opposition.
With key matches approaching, including potential title-defining fixtures such as El Clasico, his return could provide a significant boost at a critical stage of the campaign.
