Barcelona star midfielder’s participation against Real Madrid ‘almost impossible’

Journalist Helena Condis has affirmed that although Frenkie de Jong’s recovery is going on track, his participation against Real Madrid in El Clasico is impossible.

The former Ajax midfielder has been injured since September 23 when he picked a knock against Celta Vigo. Only a day later, the team confirmed that after necessary tests, the midfielder had been diagnosed with ‘tibiofibular syndesmosis in his right ankle’.

Since his injury, the midfielder had been wearing an orthopaedic boot before it was removed only a few days back. Regardless of that, though, the possibility of him playing against Real Madrid is next to impossible, while a certain Jules Kounde is ruled out as well.

Barcelona have a lot to worry

Ahead of their their all-important game against Real Madrid, Barcelona are nursing several injuries. However, as of today, only de Jong and Kounde are believed to be the only casualties of this encounter.

As far as de Jong is concerned, it’s not just the duration of his absence that’s troubling; it’s the treacherous nature of the injury, as confirmed by medical experts.

To put his issue in simple words, the ligament connecting the midfielder’s ankle joint to the tibia has been damaged. This ligament is heavily relied upon by football players, and a rushed return could be catastrophic, potentially leading to a complete rupture. 

De Jong will need to exercise patience, and it’s evident that he won’t be available for the next month.

What about Kounde?

Kounde happens to be the epitome of misfortune for Xavi’s squad. He was Barcelona’s standout defender this season until he found himself in the cruel clutches of fate when, during a fateful moment in Granada, an unfortunate accident occurred. 

It was Gavi’s unintentional tumble onto Koundé’s knee that led to a sprain, sidelining him for a gruelling three-week period. 

Until that ill-fated incident, Kounde had been the workhorse of Barcelona, boasting the most playing time. With Ronald Araujo’s early-season injury and Inigo Martinez’s lack of form, Kounde had become a rock-solid fixture in the team’s defence, but this is not going to be the case against Real Madrid.