FC Barcelona officially announces that a minor injury has sidelined one of their midfield star, casting doubt on his future participation.
The club has officially confirmed that one of their pivotal midfielders has sustained an injury, casting uncertainty over his availability for upcoming fixtures.
With a crucial home game against Valencia on the horizon and a Champions League opener against Newcastle United looming, the timing of this injury adds pressure to an already stretched squad.
The absence of this key figure, even if temporary, could force manager Hansi Flick to reshuffle his midfield plans, relying on other talents to fill the void during this critical period.
The player in question is Frenkie de Jong, whose minor muscle injury was revealed in an official club statement, as per the official FC Barcelona statement.
The 28-year-old Dutch midfielder suffered discomfort in the external obturator muscle of his right leg while playing 83 minutes for the Netherlands against Poland last week.
Following the match, De Jong experienced glute discomfort, prompting his withdrawal from the Dutch squad for their subsequent game against Lithuania.
After returning to Barcelona over the weekend, medical tests conducted at the club’s facilities confirmed the minor nature of the injury, though no specific timeline for his recovery was provided.
While the injury is not deemed serious, Barcelona is likely to exercise caution with De Jong, especially with the Valencia clash and the Champions League fixture against Newcastle approaching.
His absence could see players like Marc Casado or Dani Olmo stepping into more prominent roles, as Flick aims to maintain midfield balance.
De Jong’s ability to control games with his passing and composure makes him a cornerstone of Barça’s system, and his swift recovery will be a priority.
For now, the club and its fans await updates on his progress, hoping the midfielder’s return will bolster their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
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