Barcelona received a major blow as one of their most important midfielders is ruled out for a month with a hamstring problem.
The injury, sustained during a recent training session, forces the Catalan giants to recalibrate their midfield engine room at a critical juncture.
With the title race intensifying and European knockout stages looming, Deco and the medical staff now face a test of squad depth and resilience.
That player is captain Frenkie de Jong, whose hamstring tear will sideline the Dutch maestro for at least one month, ruling him out of key clashes as reported by Javi Miguel of AS.
De Jong felt discomfort during Thursday’s session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, prompting immediate scans that confirmed a Grade II strain requiring conservative management.
His absence—potentially extending to six weeks if healing stalls—disrupts Barcelona’s carefully calibrated 4-3-3 balance.
De Jong’s importance to Flick cannot be overstated. The €75m Ajax graduate anchors the pivot, dictating tempo with 92% pass accuracy, breaking lines with progressive carries, and shielding the backline alongside Pedri.
His 2025-26 form has been pivotal: 4 assists in 22 starts, including match-winning surges against Real Madrid.
Without him, Barcelona lose their metronome, exposing Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araújo to more pressure in transition.
Flick must now pivot tactically. Pedri shifts deeper, with Fermín López or Marc Casadó stepping up from La Masia—both untested at this level over sustained periods.
Dani Olmo could invert from the left, but midfield creativity dips. Gavi’s tenacity fills gaps, yet De Jong’s composure in tight spaces remains irreplaceable.
The injury crisis worsens Christensen’s knee doubt and Yamal’s minor knock, stretching a squad already managing minutes.
This setback tests Flick’s adaptability, but silver linings emerge: academy call-ups accelerate development, galvanising title credentials.
Still, Camp Nou holds breath for De Jong’s swift return—the pivot’s heartbeat resumes in April.
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