De Jong blow ahead of El Clásico
The Dutch midfielder suffered a hamstring injury which makes him doubtful for the Copa del Rey semi-final return leg against Real Madrid on 5 April.
Barcelona are not having the best of luck during the international break. On Thursday, Andreas Christensen suffered a calf muscle injury during Denmark’s 3-1 win against Finland, a setback that will keep him out of action for a minimum of three weeks. And today, it was confirmed that Frenkie de Jong has picked up an injury to his right thigh. That also puts his participation in next month’s Clásico in jeopardy, as club medical services estimate he will be out for around 15 days.
On the positive side, De Jong doesn’t have a history of muscular injuries and has made swift recoveries from similar complaints in the past. Barça are keeping their fingers crossed that he will have returned in time for the Copa Clásico at Camp Nou on 5 April. There are 12 days to go until the return leg so De Jong will need to speed up his recovery. Considering the importance of the game, with a place in the final at stake, the club will do everything possible to ensure he makes it.
Barcelona’s injury list
Much of that will depend on how he evolves in the meantime and how he feels in the days running up to the game. But it seems evident that Xavi might have to have a Plan B against Real Madrid if he finds himself unable to count on Pedri, Christensen and possibly De Jong. Ousmane Dembélé is practically ruled out, while the only player on the injury list who is expected to recover in time is Ronald Araújo.