Injury update: Barcelona midfielder expected to return for Shakhtar clash on November 7

The 3-2 comeback win over Celta Vigo on Saturday coupled with Real Madrid’s loss to Atletico Madrid meant that Barcelona ended Matchweek six of La Liga as the league leaders.

However, it came at a cost as Barça lost key midfielder Frenkie de Jong to an injury during the match against Celta.

Indeed, the 26-year-old had to come off with an injury in the first half against the Galician outfit, with the club confirming after the game that the Dutchman had suffered a sprain in his right ankle.

De Jong expected to return vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Soon after the news of the injury surfaced, it was reported that De Jong would be out of action until the month of November at the very least.

Now, Javi Miguel of AS has come up with a fresh update on the potential return date for the former AFC Ajax midfielder.

As per the report, De Jong is now expected to make a comeback for Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League Matchday four clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on November 7.

It would mean that the midfield maestro will be out of action over the next six weeks, missing two UCL fixtures as well as crucial La Liga clashes against the likes of Sevilla and Real Madrid.

Pedri’s return to be accelerated

De Jong’s absence is a major blow for Barcelona given the form he was in since the start of the season.

As such, with the Netherlands international set to be sidelined for an extended period, Barça plan to accelerate the return of fellow midfielder Pedri with the aim of having him fully fit in time for next month’s El Clasico.

The aim is for the 20-year-old midfield prodigy to make his return against Athletic Club and get some minutes to regain his sharpness in time for the Clasico against Real Madrid.