Barcelona Staff Trust They Can Count On Frenkie de Jong For El Clasico, Will Not Rush Recovery
Barcelona have been harrowed by injuries in the midst of the international, with a host of their star players currently sidelined and confirmed to be ruled out for the upcoming second-leg affair against Real Madrid, in the Copa Del Rey semifinal.
Pedri and Andreas Christensen have been ruled out for sure, while Ousmane Dembele, too, looks likely to miss the clash. One player who could make it back in time is Frenkie de Jong.
A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on the fitness of De Jong, suggesting that there is a sense of hope within the Barça camp that the midfielder might be able to play against Real Madrid.
Although de Jong’s early return can be seen as a risk by many, the club believe his thigh injury is not very serious. Such was confirmed even by his Dutch teammate Memphis Depay just before the international break.
Therefore, Barcelona are hoping to count on the services of de Jong against Real Madrid. With Pedri already injured, the club believe the absence of the Dutchman could lead to problems in ball retention against Los Blancos.
However, Barcelona will not take any unnecessary risks with de Jong. The club’s doctors are hesitant when it comes to speeding the midfielder’s recovery, knowing he might play a crucial role during the final phase of the campaign.
That said, losing the Copa Del Rey would mean that Barcelona will have nothing to play for other than the league title. Hence, we may see a push from the club’s part to make De Jong a part of the Copa Clasico next month.
