Injury crisis at Barcelona as Frenkie de Jong picks up knock

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong sustained an injury during the Catalan’s clash against Real Madrid. Though the extent of the injury is yet to be evaluated, there are updates on his immediate availability for forthcoming games.

The report states that de Jong was far from 100% fit heading into the game against the capital outfit, but had to be deployed in midfield given the importance. He was subbed out of the game at the 77th minute, which did come as a shock to fans.

The Dutch midfielder will reportedly miss Barcelona’s clash against Rayo Vallecano for sure. Moreover, there is also a chance that he will miss the clash against Alaves early next month.

Injuries have riddled Barcelona’s squad this season. Though the forward line was the worst hit, the midfield too has had its fair share of injuries. Pedri has already picked up two injuries this season and is a few steps away from recovery.

De Jong has become an integral part of Barcelona’s midfield. That said, Ronald Koeman will have to look for other options to at least partially cover the void left by him. This might finally help Riqui Puig get some minutes after being ostracized from the team by Koeman.

That said, Sergi Roberto is expected to take de Jong’s starting place in the team. However, Pedri’s scheduled return in the coming weeks will see him return to his default starting spot. Koeman could opt for a Gavi, Busquets, Pedri midfield based on the Spaniard’s fitness.

Frenkie de Jong’s injury will be evaluated by the club’s medical staff before a date is set for his return. Given the tough period Barcelona is going through, they will hope that the midfielder recovers soon and returns as one of the pillars for the team in transition.