Barcelona Midfielder Frenkie de Jong Faces Extended Absence After Training Injury
Barcelona Football Club has officially confirmed that Dutch international midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be unavailable for selection for an estimated five to six weeks following a significant hamstring injury sustained during training. The setback occurred on Thursday, February 26, as the team prepared for their upcoming La Liga fixture against Villarreal.
Key Matches Missed Due to Injury
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Barcelona, as de Jong will be forced to sit out several critical matches during his recovery period. Most notably, he will miss the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against fierce rivals Atlético Madrid. Additionally, his absence extends to both legs of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against English side Newcastle United.
In an official club statement, Barcelona detailed the nature of the injury, stating: "First-team player Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury to the distal biceps of his right leg during this morning's training session. Tests confirm that the recovery process will take between 5 and 6 weeks."
Coach Hansi Flick Reacts to the Setback
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment at losing a player of de Jong's caliber during such a pivotal phase of the season. Speaking to media outlets, including Football Espana, Flick acknowledged the challenge but emphasized a positive outlook and the opportunity it presents for other squad members.
"We don't like it when a player can't play, especially a player of Frenkie's quality," Flick stated. "It's not an easy time, but it also gives us the opportunity for other players to play. I focus on the positive. All teams have problems, and that's what we have to manage. We have a lot of quality in the squad and various options to play with. I see it as other players getting opportunities; we're focusing on what we do have available."
The injury comes at a moment when de Jong had recently rediscovered his form, having scored his first goal of the season in Barcelona's 3–0 victory over Levante just days prior.
Impact on Barcelona's Upcoming Fixtures
De Jong's absence will be keenly felt as Barcelona navigates a demanding schedule in March. The Blaugrana must face several challenging La Liga opponents without their influential midfielder, including matches against:
- Villarreal
- Athletic Club
- Sevilla FC
- Rayo Vallecano
According to reports from Barca Blaugranes, the 28-year-old Dutch international is more likely to return to action for a potential UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg in early April, or alternatively for the Catalan derby against Espanyol scheduled for April 11 or 12.
Fan Reactions and Additional Squad Concerns
The news has sparked considerable concern among Barcelona supporters on social media platforms. One fan, @lalocameselle, commented: "I hope I'm wrong, but we're going to feel Frankie's absence big time, the same or worse than Pedri's. One of the keys to Barça's game is controlling the play; for me the Dutchman is essential."
Another supporter, @jmorales237, highlighted broader squad issues, adding: "When we gamble the whole season. Without midfielders except Bernal. Pedri is only able to play 30 min, Gavi is injured. We'll be back to the same old thing always in the most important stretch. We never have the full team available. Never, man, never."
This injury compounds existing midfield worries for Barcelona, following a recent serious knee injury to 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, who had been impressing in the pivot role before being forced off in a collision during a match against Rayo Vallecano.
