Barcelona have announced that Frenkie de Jong is included in the matchday squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Young Boys this week.
The midfielder has only played 45 minutes for Barcelona since early March, as he aggravated an existing ankle injury during an El Clasico loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in April. His condition also caused him to miss Euro 2024, despite being initially selected by the Netherlands.
However, Hansi Flick has named De Jong in his first matchday squad since taking over, as the Dutch international joins the 23-man group set to face Swiss Pro League side Young Boys at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in the Champions League.
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In a press conference, Flick expressed his happiness at being able to include De Jong in the lineup.
“This is fantastic news to have Frenkie back with us. Whether he plays for five or ten minutes, he’s very important for us,” the coach said. “Frenkie’s attitude has been great; he’s engaged with the team and eager to help. We needed his presence. He might not be ready for 45 minutes, but even 10 or 20 will be beneficial for him.”
De Jong’s return is timely for a Barcelona side grappling with an injury crisis at the start of the 2024/25 season. Along with the 27-year-old’s absence, Flick has also had to cope without Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-André ter Stegen.
Midfielders Olmo, Fermin, and Gavi may be close to returning as well, with Gavi currently back in training following an ACL injury.