A positive update has emerged from the Barcelona camp regarding the return of midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong to the pitch. The Dutchman, who has been sidelined for more than a month due to a hamstring injury, is now back with the squad ahead of the Catalan derby in La Liga.
According to several reports, De Jong is expected to feature for the final 45 minutes of the match. With Barcelona set to play a crucial second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at the Metropolitano next week, the team is unlikely to risk him for the full 90 minutes against Espanyol. The focus is clearly on ensuring he is fully fit for that decisive European clash.
De Jong’s presence in the squad for the upcoming UCL encounter against Simeone’s men is a significant boost for Barcelona. The team is also likely to have key midfielders including Pedri, Bernal, Olmo, and Fermín fit for the game alongside the Dutchman. In such a demanding fixture, both the starters and those coming off the bench will need to deliver an extraordinary performance for the Catalan side, with their contributions ideally reflected on the scoresheet.
Frenkie has been a vital figure in Barcelona’s midfield throughout the season, registering seven assists so far. Beyond the numbers, his ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with Pedri’s creativity, provides Barcelona with a smooth and effective transition from defense to attack.