De Jong practically ruled out of Copa Clásico return leg
Dramatic twist in De Jong’s recovery - his presence in Wednesday’s return leg has been confirmed as almost impossible. He misses the game along with Pedri, Dembélé and Christensen.
Dramatic turn in Barça’s recovery plan for Frenkie de Jong who is now in all probability, ruled out of Wednesday’s Clásico this Wednesday, as AS has learned. The Dutch midfielder finished Saturday’s session with bad sensations and that doesn’t bode well as he has just over 72 hours left to be given a clean bill of health. It was always going to be touch and go whether De Jong would recover in time for the Copa del Rey semi-final return leg, as of today, it seems almost impossible.
It’s worth noting that Frenkie suffered a small tear to his right thigh muscle on 19 March during the LaLiga match against Real Madrid at Camp Nou. After undergoing tests, which confirmed the extent of the injury, it was revealed that he would be out for approximately three weeks, although the club held hopes he could make a miraculous recovery and be fit for the return leg.
The first few days were hopeful - Frenkie’s chances of being available for the Madrid match stood at 25%. But in the end, reality and common sense prevailed, and despite the player’s attempts to get back to full fitness, the sensations have convinced him otherwise and he won’t be risked.
Frenkie’s loss comes as another setback for Xavi, who is already without Pedri, Dembélé and Christensen for the Madrid game. Four key players who, under normal conditions, would have been undisputed starters on Wednesday.
Four-man midfield
In principle, everything points to Franck Kessié as the Dutchman’s substitute in the Clásico. In fact, Xavi already fielded the Ivorian in last night’s 0-4 win against Elche, bringing him on for the last fifteen minutes. In the midfield he will also recover Sergio Busquets, who was rested this weekend, and everything indicates that Sergi Roberto will occupy the other position in midfield, with Gavi as a false winger, repeating the formula of four midfielders, which has given him so much success in recent duels against Ancelotti’s team.