BARCELONA
Will Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong play against Real Madrid in El Clásico?
The extent of De Jong’s injury became known a week ago when tests confirmed the Dutch international suffered a small hamstring tear.
Barcelona play Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou on 5 April and midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains a doubt going into El Clásico.
The extent of De Jong’s injury became known a week ago when tests confirmed the Dutch international suffered a small hamstring tear which could keep him out of the side for the next three weeks.
Key players out for Barcelona
The injury is a blow to Xavi’s plans as he is already without key players Pedri, Ousmane Dembélé and Andreas Christensen. There has been a glimmer of hope around the club in recent days given De Jong’s recovery record, which has seen him return to action quicker than expected on previous occasions.
With just under a week to go before the Blaugrana welcome Madrid to Barcelona, the Catalan club are giving the in-form midfielder a slight chance to return. “If after the tests, the hope was at 10% for him to play against Real Madrid, we are now at 25%,” reliable sources at the club have told AS.
Between Monday and Tuesday of next week, De Jong is expected to join up with the rest of the squad. If he’s sharp and ready for action, he will be included in the matchday squad.
Araújo expected to play in El Clásico
Xavi should be able to count on defender Ronald Araújo for the Clásico. The Uruguayan, who recently suffered a muscle strain, is likely to be rested against Elche in LaLiga to be ready for the cup semi-final and Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior.