Barcelona Star ‘Practically Ruled Out’ of Atletico Madrid Clash Through Injury

The international break was a bruising one for Barcelona.

A big blow for Hansi Flick. | Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images

Despite initial optimism, reports claim Barcelona no longer expect midfielder Frenkie de Jong to make his return from injury against Atlético Madrid on Saturday.

De Jong suffered a hamstring injury in late February and has missed the last seven games across all competitions, but there was hope he would be able to use the international break to recover enough to at least feature off the bench in Saturday’s crunch game.

Unfortunately for Barcelona and De Jong, that no longer appears to be the case and MARCA state the 28-year-old midfielder is expected to remain on the sidelines for a little while longer.

While it is stressed that De Jong has not suffered a setback, he is not yet believed to be fit enough to even return to team training. Given his recent history of injury issues, nobody at the club wants to take any unnecessary risks.

With Pedri, Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó all available, manager Hansi Flick believes Barcelona can afford to let De Jong rest a few days longer to ensure he returns at full fitness.

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Injury Issues Mount During International Break

Raphinha (right) joined Frenkie de Jong on the sidelines. | Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images

Central midfield is well-stocked at Barcelona, but there are bigger concerns further forward on the pitch after star attacker Raphinha suffered an injury on Brazil duty that is expected to keep him out of action for five weeks.

Some fans have questioned Raphinha’s decision to bring his typical intensity to what was, with all due respect, a meaningless friendly against France, but Barça teammate Pedri was having none of those accusations.

“It’s a sad situation for him or anyone to be injured, especially if they play for my team,” Pedro told reporters.

“But I can tell you: You can’t play at half intensity. You’re three times more likely to get injured. It’s the worst thing you can do as a footballer. Sadly, injuries are part of football. If they have to happen, then they will.”

In defense, left back Alejandro Balde and right back Jules Kounde remain unavailable, while there are doubts over the availability of 18-year-old Xavi Espart, who made four appearances across March as a replacement for Kounde.

Espart limped off for Spain’s Under-19 side but, according to SPORT, was substituted more as a precaution than any major injury.

Saturday’s game is a significant one for Barcelona. Flick’s side are just four points above Real Madrid at the top of the standings and will hope to keep it that way, but the Blaugrana can ill-afford a repeat of the performance that saw them thumped 4–0 against Atléti in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. The 3–0 win from the return leg will give them hope.

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