Barcelona, one of football’s iconic clubs, has been hit with a significant setback as midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to be sidelined for over a month due to an ankle injury. This injury raises doubts about his availability for the highly anticipated Clásico match against arch-rivals Real Madrid, which is scheduled for October.
Injury Origin
The 26-year-old Dutch midfielder sustained this ankle injury during the first half of Barcelona’s recent LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo. De Jong’s early exit from the match saw young talent Gavi stepping in, and his contribution played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s remarkable comeback, securing a 3-2 victory.
Clásico in Doubt
The upcoming Clásico, a fixture that captures the imagination of football fans worldwide, is slated for October 28th at the Olympic Stadium. However, sources suggest that it is improbable that De Jong will have recovered sufficiently to participate in this highly anticipated clash.
Busy Schedule Ahead for Barcelona
Prior to the Clásico, Barcelona faces a demanding schedule with four more league games on the horizon. This includes fixtures against Mallorca and Sevilla this week, in addition to two Champions League group stage matches. De Jong’s absence will pose a significant challenge for the team as they navigate this busy period of competition.
International Commitments
De Jong’s injury will also impact his international commitments. He is expected to miss the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers for the Netherlands against formidable opponents France and Greece in October. His absence represents a significant loss for both Barcelona and the Dutch national team, given his influential role and consistent performances.
Xavi Acknowledges the Loss
Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi, acknowledged the magnitude of Frenkie de Jong’s absence during a news conference, stating, “It’s a big loss.” Xavi emphasized the importance of De Jong’s contributions, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s playing style and his consistent high-level performances.
Hope for Suitable Replacements
Despite expressing concern, Xavi also expressed hope that Barcelona will find capable replacements for De Jong during his absence. He mentioned potential options like Sergi Roberto and Fermín López, demonstrating confidence in the squad’s depth to fill the void left by the injured midfielder.
Pedri Also on the Sidelines
Frenkie de Jong’s injury compounds Barcelona’s midfield challenges, as another key midfielder, Pedri, has been sidelined for a month. Currently, there is no specific timeframe for Pedri’s return, although he is progressing in his recovery and nearing a comeback.
Positive Update on Pedri
Regarding Pedri’s status, Xavi provided a positive update, saying, “Pedri is feeling good, so we will see when we can get him back.” The return of Pedri would be a welcome boost for Barcelona, as his creativity and midfield prowess have been sorely missed.
Barcelona’s Recent Success
Despite these setbacks, Barcelona has shown resilience on the field. Their recent victory over Celta Vigo propelled them to the top of LaLiga standings, capitalizing on Real Madrid’s loss to Atletico Madrid. However, the road ahead remains challenging, with crucial matches against Mallorca and Sevilla looming on the horizon.
Intense LaLiga Competition
In the coming weeks, both Barcelona and Real Madrid face intense competition in LaLiga, as they strive to maintain their positions at the top of the table. Barcelona’s upcoming matches against Mallorca and Sevilla will test their depth and adaptability in the absence of key midfielders like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Looking Ahead
As the football season unfolds, fans eagerly await the progress of these injured stars and the outcomes of pivotal clashes like the Clásico, where the absence of key players can have a profound impact on the outcome. Barcelona’s resilience and ability to adapt during this challenging period will be closely watched by football enthusiasts worldwide.
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