Frenkie de Jong return match confirmed by Barcelona

Barcelona has confirmed the long-awaited return date for midfield star Frenkie De Jong following his knee injury setback.

The Dutch midfielder has been sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury and has spent the international break working intensively under the club’s medical staff, gradually reintroducing running and small‑sided work as part of a carefully structured plan.

Hansi Flick has repeatedly stressed the importance of not forcing Frenkie De Jong back too early, especially given how pivotal he is to Barcelona’s control in midfield and the tight calendar ahead in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Barcelona have now confirmed that the Espanyol clash is being targeted as De Jong’s most realistic return match, with the club hoping he will be fully fit and available for the derby if his rehabilitation continues on schedule, as reported by Diario Sport.

The Catalan side had initially hoped for an earlier comeback, but the medical team has pushed for this slightly later window to ensure he is not only match‑ready but also protected from the risk of a fresh injury.

If everything goes as planned, Frenkie De Jong could make his first appearance back in the Blaugrana midfield in the derby, with the club aiming to ease him into the action rather than throw him straight into a high‑intensity Champions League tie.

In De Jong’s absence, Barcelona have had to reshuffle their midfield options, relying more on alternatives behind Pedri to cope with the workload.

His return would bring back a player who can dictate the tempo, link defence and attack, and shield Barcelona under pressure.

By anchoring his comeback to the Espanyol match, Barcelona is trying to strike a balance between sporting urgency and long‑term prudence, with the hope that De Jong can then slot straight into the heart of the team for the decisive stage of the season.