Louis van Gaal issues update on the injuries of Barcelona duo de Jong and Depay: “It’s a shame”

With the international break underway, the first set of fixtures for the two-week period kicked off on Thursday night in Europe. And, safe to say that it has caused a lot of concern within the Barcelona camp.

The Blaugrana have the most number of players called up to international duty during this break, with as many as 18 players away to represent their respective nations. And just one day in, several of the Barça stars have been struck down by injuries.

Jules Kounde had to come off for France with a muscle issue while Memphis Depay picked up a hamstring injury against Poland. Soon after, his compatriot Frenkie de Jong was also taken off by Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal as he felt some discomfort.

Following the Oranje’s 2-0 victory over the Poles, van Gaal gave an update on the conditions of both de Jong and Depay (h/t NOS). While the former seems to be okay, the same cannot be said of the latter.

Talking about de Jong, van Gaal said: “Frenkie de Jong was taken off out of precaution. He was feeling tension in his muscles which is why I took him off. But he told me that he expects to play against Belgium.”

As for Depay, the former Barcelona manager said: “It’s a shame that Memphis had to go off with this injury, it doesn’t bode well… I don’t see him playing against Belgium.”

Javi Miguel of AS is reporting that both Depay and Kounde will return to Barcelona to undergo tests that will determine the extent of their injuries. As for de Jong, he will continue with the Netherlands as his issue seems to be nothing serious. More updates should emerge later today.