Barcelona midfielder will return from injury vs Real Sociedad, likely to play only 20 minutes

In a positive update, Javi Miguel of AS is reporting that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will return from his injury this weekend against Real Sociedad.

De Jong has been out of action since late September after suffering an ankle injury during the La Liga encounter against Celta Vigo.

There had been a lot of expectations that the 26-year-old Dutchman would return to action for last Saturday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.

However, Barça decided not to take any risks with the midfield superstar as he still felt some discomfort on the morning of the match.

De Jong will have some minutes vs Sociedad

Barcelona take on Real Sociedad away in San Sebastian later this weekend and it is now being suggested that De Jong will be available for selection for the game.

Even though reports had suggested that there are still some concerns about the Netherlands international’s condition, it appears that he will be receiving medical clearance to play against the Basque club.

However, the update from Javi Miguel adds that Barça do not plan on throwing De Jong into the thick of things right away.

Instead, the former AFC Ajax ace will be eased back into action and as such will only play a maximum of 20 minutes against Imanol Alguacil’s side this weekend.

Pedri will also return

De Jong’s potential availability comes as big boost for Barcelona, who will also be recovering Pedri for the game against Sociedad.

Indeed, the Spanish international is also expected to receive the green light from the medical department for the away game this weekend.

It would mean that Barcelona will only be without captain Sergi Roberto for the trip, providing manager Xavi Hernandez a near full-strength squad to play around with.