Barcelona will face their first main problem of the 2025-26 La Liga season this Sunday after they go to Actual Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, aiming for a win that would assist them reclaim the highest spot within the standings. Nonetheless, the provision of a key participant is unsure.
In accordance with Marca, Frenkie De Jong was unable to affix coaching on Thursday together with his teammates attributable to a bodily discomfort. The Dutch midfielder was current on the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper coaching complicated however was given particular permission to return house and relaxation.
This sudden state of affairs has raised alarms at Barcelona, as with solely three days remaining earlier than the match in opposition to Actual Madrid, it’s unclear if De Jong will be capable to play. “His presence in opposition to Los Blancos will rely upon his progress over the approaching hours,” Marca reported.
For sure, De Jong’s potential absence can be an enormous drawback for Hansi Flick. Actually, the pinnacle coach was so wanting to have De Jong obtainable for Sunday’s match that he rested him throughout Tuesday’s recreation in opposition to Olympiacos within the UEFA Champions League, retaining him on the bench and enjoying him just for the final half-hour.
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong stands prior a recreation.
The significance of De Jong for Barcelona
Throughout his early seasons in La Liga, Frenkie De Jong confronted harsh criticism. Expectations had been excessive for him to ship performances exceeding what he confirmed on the sphere, and above all, to show the management and impression on the sport that he had throughout his years at Ajax.
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After Sergio Busquets left in 2023, the Dutch participant totally assumed that position and have become the midfield cornerstone for Barcelona. Since then, the criticism has quieted and nobody questions his efficiency anymore, as he has change into a key participant for Hansi Flick.
That is evident in his numbers this season. De Jong has performed in 10 of Barcelona’s 12 matches to date, beginning in 8 and coming off the bench in 2. He has additionally captained the workforce in 4 matches when Ronald Araujo was not within the beginning lineup.
Barcelona’s harm issues
Frenkie De Jong’s sudden bodily situation provides to a protracted listing of gamers at the moment not at full health for Barcelona. The primary is Robert Lewandowski, who will miss the match in opposition to Actual Madrid attributable to a muscle harm suffered in the course of the October worldwide break with Poland.
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Including to Lewandowski’s absence are different gamers who can even miss the primary Clasico of the season: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Dani Olmo are all dominated out. The excellent news is that Ferran Torres, who was on the bench Tuesday in opposition to Olympiacos, and Raphinha, who has educated with the workforce this week, may each return on Sunday.
